Raymond D. Barker
August 24, 2020
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Service Details
Raymond Dean Barker, age 71, passed away Monday, August 24, 2020.
Ray was born July 4, 1949 in Des Moines, Iowa to Donald and Cecilia (Hughes) Barker. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and enjoyed a lifelong passion as a self-employed barber until his retirement in 2012.
Ray loved life…. He was outgoing, loved his politics, watching Fox News, Perry Mason, the Iowa State Fair and NASCAR while drinking his Miller Lite! At a moment’s notice Ray was there for anyone and enjoyed golfing with friends. Ray was especially proud of his family, children and grandchildren and rarely missed sporting events for his kids. Ray also enjoyed his home, garden, and watching beautiful sunsets while listening to his favorite music.
He is survived by his children, Jason Barker, Kim (Troy) Powell, and Sara (Adam) Keller; grandchildren, Maya & Emma Barker, Dylan & Dalton Powell, and Caitlyn & Hayden Keller; sisters, Cindy (Gary) Wilson and Susan Woodyard; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and companion of 4 years, Melanie Brons. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Cecilia and his loving (tolerant) wife of 42 years, Virginia.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, August 30, 2020 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway located at 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. A private burial will take place at Glendale Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Ruth Harbor Ministries or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Condolences are welcome and can be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Jyll Johnson
01/11/2025
Kim, Jason, Sarah,
Seeing these pictures of your dad and mom, you kids all grown up, my heart is heavy but so full of joy, as well. I worked with your mom at Zee and your dad was a mentor from my days at LA James. I miss your mom so much, she was like a big sister and dear friend to me. I was thinking of your dad today and found out he'd passed. I imagine he and your mom are having a blast above us!
Much love
Gayle Welter
08/28/2020
Your family is in our prayers. Ray was a pretty special guy - and someone I made sure to see every 6 weeks to get my hair done. So we got to know a lot about each other. I treasured those times because he was a great listener but also wanted to share stories about his family. He was always so proud of his kids and grandkids. When my daughters started to have him cut their hair, he always treated them in such a kind way. He didn't treat them like little kids but he sure knew how to talk to them and make them laugh. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Ray.
Tena Spencer
08/28/2020
What fun & great memories we have of Ray & Virginia. Our hearts are aching, our thoughts & prayers are with you. Love to you from the Spencer family.
Tina Johnson
08/27/2020
Ray was one of a kind!! He was a great barber and loved to try new cuts!! He was also a good person and would do anything he could to help others. He will be missed....
Larry and Nancy Young
08/27/2020
So sorry for your families loss. Someone from our past, Mr Barker as we called him, is still part of our memories. Our kids went to school together and I would see him when I walked on my lunch hours at Park Fair Mail. We would talk about football and East High School. Remember the past and cherish your memories.
Marcy Fisher
08/27/2020
So sorry to hear of Ray's passing. He was such a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. Man could that man cut hair! I know Ray from when he worked in the salon at Park Fair Mall. I saw a lot of excellent hair styles come out of that salon. Rays were some of the best! He always gave me a great deal on his famous hair spray. We had many great chats and I will miss him dearly. My condolences to his family. May you find comfort in the memories that you hold in your hearts. Rest in Peace Ray!
Roxanna Gonzales
08/27/2020
My condolences to Ray's family. I graduated high school with Ray and then when I moved I found out he was my neighbor. We have had many talks and good memories. Ray was the HOSTA KING.... RIP Ray...
Mary K Conry
08/27/2020
My love to Ray's family. While I have not met them, as I only saw Ray at our seminars, many years ago, mostly at Tri-State in DesMoines along with my sister, Kara, who was also a Barber. Ray had a great sense of humor and was a fabulous Barber. He will be missed by all that new him. We all need to gather at some point when a vaccine is found, so we can rekindle some of the friendships and celebrate our memories of years gone by. I will pray for your family Ray. :)
Ruth Mease
08/26/2020
Ray; I'm remembering all our good times, High school, all the years you did my hair, and of course the first Friday night of the ISF ( Eastside night).
I miss your smile, your jokes, your face.
RIP my friend.
Rhonda and Mike Mitrisin
08/26/2020
Sympathy to all Rays immediate family and our huge extended family. Ray was one of a kind! He will be missed by all, but there is one heck of a family reunion going on in Heaven. Fly high Cuz and keep them laughing. Love and peace to all!
Teresa Duke
08/26/2020
I had no idea Ray had been sick. He was President when NCA went National and he along with the NCA Board of Iowa, we started up a new state name called Cosmetologist and Barbers of Iowa. It was a priviledge to work with him and the new board. He was kind enough to bring Richard Sheriff down to Burlington, Iowa so Richard could give the Sanitation Class for our con ed class He lent his ear when I needed to talk to him at times during my Affiliate Presidency. When on the board for Cosmetologists and Barbers of Iowa we had our amount of productive meetings and also many memories of fun times and laughs. He was in Hair America for awhile also. I remember when the Convention was in St Louis and Ray was one of many that helped those with trend haircuts. My Condolences to all of his Family and Close Friends. God Bless!
Jodie Cross
08/26/2020
Ray you will be missed. Your smile, laughter and love touched so many. I'm sure there was a family gathering-picnic ready to meet you. Fly high and pain free my cousin. Keep smiling love ya!
Patti & Charlie DeGross
08/25/2020
Ray we will miss you so much! So much love, kindness & laughter you have given us! Soar with the angels dear cuz!
Love you!
Janet Turner
08/25/2020
Ray not at all what I was expecting to hear. I will miss my dear friend so darn much! You have always been there for me and I appreciate you for that. I am trying hard to reflect on our golfing days and the fun times we had so I don't cry.I may just NEVER get a haircut or maybe color it yellow cuz I know how much you loved that, NOT. RIP my friend and tell your mom I said hello! Sending condolences and prayers to your entire family!