James Paul Barker

James Paul Barker, the youngest son of the late James Abner and Mary Elizabeth Martin Barker, was born near Bloomfield, Missouri on November 16, 1917, and passed away at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter, Missouri on February 5, 2007, at the age of 89 years, 2 months and 20 days. He was a life long resident of Stoddard County. As a young man, Paul served in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and later in the U.S. Army during WWII. He worked in a variety of factory and retail jobs in Dexter. He also farmed for many years. On May 17, 1947, he was married to Faustina Shell in Bloomfield, Missouri. Surviving are his wife of fifty-nine years, Faustina Shell Barker of Dexter, Missouri; one daughter and son-in-law, Brenda & Richard Scholes of St. Louis, Missouri; two grandchildren, Elizabeth and husband Aaron Bly, and Daniel Scholes all of St. Louis, Missouri. Other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Albert and Alfred Barker, and two sisters, Clarissa Triplett and Anna Barker. The family has chosen cremation and a private family memorial service will be conducted. Interment will be in the family plot in the Hagy Cemetery in Dexter, Missouri with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter, Missouri in charge of all arrangements.