Clarence Oakley Barker

Argus-Observer (Ontario, Malheur County, Oregon)
December 10, 1995 (between December 7-10, 1995)

PAYETTE - Clarence Oakley Barker, 77, Payette died Dec. 6, 1995 at his home of natural causes. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette, with the Rev. David Steward, First Methodist Church, Payette officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Payette.

Oakley was born Dec. 19, 1917 in Payette, a son of Clarence and Theresa Barker. Oakley attended Payette schools and graduated from Payette High School. He married Margaret Helen Blurton on July 2, 1939 at Payette. To that union was born one daughter, Kathleen. He and Margaret were later divorced.

He worked for the Bureau of Land Management for 18 years, then farmed for most of his life.

Oakley was a very kind and loving person. He enjoyed telling his family and friends stories of when he was younger. Oakley especially loved his farm, being outdoors, hunting and fishing. Oakley's greatest memories are of deep sea fishing on the Oregon Coast with his daughter and son-in-law. Oakley also love to cook.

He belonged to the Elks Lodge in Ontario and the Eagles Lodge in Payette.

Oakley would have liked everyone to know how proud he was to be nominated (by himself) mayor of Washoe every year, and every year he won.

Oakley was loved so very much by all his family and friends and will be missed dearly. He always knew how to make you laugh with some of his stories of when he was young.

Our Dad, grandfather and friend will be missed from our lives every day. Every time we go outside, take a breath of fresh air, and listen to the birds sing, we'll think of Oakley, and we'll remember how much we loved him and how much we'll forever miss him.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Gerald Knight, of Boise; a granddaughter, Lisa Bossler, and great-grandson Quinn, of Meridian; and long-time companion, Eldoris Pearce, of Payette, who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Ellen.

"Do Not Stand"

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints of snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die.
      -Anonymous

Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. today at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette.

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