Donald Barker

Donald Lew Barker, 82 of Beardstown, died Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

He was born December 5, 1939 in Sciota the son of Donald R. and Vera J. Shores Barker. He married Henrietta “Hennie” McMurl on May 29, 1964 in Beardstown and she preceded him in death on October 30, 2013.

He is survived by his children Tracey (husband Steve) Patterson and Donald Lew (wife Darcie) Barker Jr. both of Beardstown; seven grandchildren, Jamie (husband Terry) Comiskey of Beardstown, Drew (wife Mallory) Birdsley of Edwardsville, Trenton (wife Kay) Patterson of Waterloo, Tylor Patterson, Dylan "Bubba" (companion Kaylee) Patterson, Sydnee Barker, and Lewie Barker III all of Beardstown; five great grandchildren Vera Birdsley, Ella Comiskey, Charlotte Patterson, Ellie Patterson, and Liam Patterson; two brothers Michael Barker and Lynn (wife Jan) Barker; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two brothers Tom and Terry Barker.

Lew graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1957. He attended Western Illinois University and later began a 25-year career with Bohn Aluminum in Beardstown. Upon the closing of Bohn, Lew worked for CIPS as a supply delivery driver and retired from Ameren in 2002. Lew was an active man and loved coaching little league, umpiring numerous games, and giving up his time to be a part of the Beardstown Football Chain Gang. He had a love for life and in his free time he spent every second around friends, family, and grandchildren. Most importantly he religiously attending every event his grandchildren participated in. Lew was one of Beardstown sports biggest supporters, and he was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears fan. He was a member of The Beardstown Lions Club, Beardstown Elks Lodge #1007, and his favorite past time “Afternoon Happy Hour at the Office” also known as The Elks. His contagious smile will be missed by all those who loved and knew him.

A happy hour celebration will be held from 2-5 PM Saturday, October 29, 2022 at the Beardstown Elks Lodge. There will be no formal services. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to Beardstown Lions Club or Elks Children Care.  Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.