John Claude Barker, 89, of Carthage, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday night, May 14, 2024, in Carthage. He was born on September 27, 1934, in Shreveport, Louisiana to the late Claude L. and Nellie VanderVort Barker. Claude graduated with the Byrd High School Class of 1953, in Shreveport. He served in the 3rd Armored Division of the United States Army from July 1955 to June 1963, and was honorably discharged. Claude was very proud to serve his country. He worked his way from the ground up to sales manager for Baker Oil Tools until his retirement. Claude married Vickie Darlene Willis on April 27, 2003. He was a member of the VFW Post 5620. Claude was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Brooks Chapel Baptist Church in Fair Play, TX. Some of his favorite pastimes was reading his Bible, playing dominoes, building birdhouses, and sitting on the front porch with his family and friends. Claude enjoyed going to the bank in Elysian Fields while living in DeBerry and having coffee and visiting with all his "bank buddies". He loved watching his grandson Reese learning how to rope. Later on, Claude enjoyed going to Whataburger after church and also going to Golden Corral in Marshall for the 'Early Bird Special" with best friends, James and Pat Ewing. He enjoyed spending time with his daughter, Christy, when she made the trip over from Newport, Wales. Claude loved his church family at Brooks Chapel. They were always supportive and caring. A handicap ramp was constructed by members so that he could continue to go and enjoy church worship after being confined to a wheelchair. Claude met Bobby Rothman through "Be A Blessing" on Facebook and he was truly a blessing. Bobby would ride his bike over just to spend time with Claude and talk with him about God. Bobby brought lots of comfort and peace to him. Claude was a very committed husband to his wife, Vickie for over 21 years. He will leave a void in our hearts forever but we know he is now in the presence of the Lord and pain-free. One day we will be together again. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ana Marie Butler; and niece, Patricia Salinas.

Claude is survived by his wife, Vicki; daughter, Christy Barker Steel and husband Greg; bonus daughter, Kristie Andrews Brady and husband Keith "Doc"; bonus son, Christopher Shane Andrews and wife Tiffanie, bonus grandchildren, Ashley Andrews Knight and husband Brian, Grace Andrews Ogilvie and husband Bryce, Neely Liles, and Reese Brady; bonus great-grandchildren, Olivia and Madeline Knight; nephew, Michael Butler; great-niece, Casey Salinas; and brothers-in-law, Louis Butler and Jim Willis and wife Patricia; best friend, Bill Hayes; and longest known friend, Eldon Wilkerson. Numerous other family members and friends also survive.

The family of Claude Barker would like to thank everyone for their love, prayers and support. Special thanks to Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home, Claude's caregiver, Doris Daughtry, Heart's Way Hospice for all their love and support, and Bro. Travis Arden, Brother B.A. Morris and Brother Stacey Cohorst for conducting the service.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Macedonia Cemetery with Bro. B. A. Morris, Bro. Travis Arden, and Bro. Stacey Cohorst officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. There will be a time of visitation at the cemetery after the graveside service.

Memorials may be made to Heart's Way Hospice, 437 W. Panola, Carthage, Texas 75633 or Brooks Chapel, c/o Peggy Snow, 1210 W. Sabine, Carthage, Texas 75633.

A guestbook may be signed at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.