Leroy H Barker

Leroy H Barker, 90, of Odessa, Missouri passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024, at the Kansas City VA Medical Center.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 12, 2024, at the First Christian Church of Odessa, 224 W Dryden St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-7726.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 12, at the First Christian Church, 224 W Dryden St., Odessa, MO, 64076.  Inurnment with military honors will follow at the Greenton Cemetery in Odessa, MO.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church of Odessa Memorial Fund, or to the American Legion, Post 286.  Memories for Leroy and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.  The honorary bearers will be Lee Earl Barker, Bruce Barker, Randy Dooley, Eric Dooley, Kent Shutt, and Brian Barker. 

Leroy was born February 17, 1933, in Odessa, MO to Hadley H. and Nellie (Neece) Barker.  Leroy graduated from Odessa High School in 1951.  Leroy was united in marriage to Janice Marrie McFerrin, his best friend and love of his life on November 27^th, 1957.  In 1953, he was drafted into the Army and served in the 98^th Engineers Aerial Photo Reproduction Company during the Korean Conflict.  He served in Seoul, Korea for 9 months.  After returning home, he worked 40 years in the food services industry with Swift & Co.  and American Food Services.

Leroy was a member of the First Christian Church where he served as a Deacon and Elder.  He also served as a Board chair and was active in many committees.  He served as a member of the Odessa RVII School Board, Chairman of Puddle Jumper Days, and active in Jaycees where he served as President.  He belonged to American Legion Post 286, serving as a commander and chaplain; and the VFW Post 5675, a member of the Honor Guard.  He enjoyed working with Little League football, basketball, and baseball teams.

Leroy and Janice enjoyed traveling and held season tickets for 50+ years to Missouri football games.  Roy was a die-hard Missouri Tiger and Odessa Bulldog fan.  He enjoyed attending his son’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s activities. 

Survivors include his wife, of the home; sons, Michael Lee, of Blue Springs, and Steven Howard, of Odessa; five grandchildren, Nicole Wade (Chad), of Higginsville; Shannon Airrington (Ryan), Brian Barker (Victoria), Michelle Lett (Josh), and Kaylee Barker, all of Odessa.  Eight great-grandchildren; Noah Barker (Crystal), of Norman, OK, Jenna Barker, Brock Barker, Collin Barker, Brayden Barker, Clisby Airrington, Jeweila Lett, and Abigayle Lett, all of Odessa, MO.  Four step-great-grandchildren; Carter Wade (Savannah), Chloe Wade, Taylor Airrington (Shelby), and Gabe Airrington.  Two great-great-grandsons Phoenix Airrington, and Casey Airrington.  Brothers and sisters in law Paul and Marge Castonaguy, Larry and Donna Shutt, and Dale McFerrin, as well as many nieces and nephews.  Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother and sister-in-law, EL and Nancee Barker.