Bro. Vernon Barker

1931 – 2016 

The Reverend Proctor Vernon Barker “Bro. Barker,” 85, entered into his eternal home on December 11, 2016.

Bro. Barker was born to the late Hiram W. and Edna Mae Barker in Ashland, KY on January 31, 1931. A member of the US Army, Bro. Barker served his country from 1948-1954 as Sergeant First Class. In 1964, Bro. Barker gave his life to Christ and soon after answered the call to preach. He accepted his first pastorate at Louisa Free Will Baptist Church in Louisa, KY. On May 22, 1966, Bro. Barker was joined in marriage to Marguerite Georgiana “Ann” Perry at the Louisa Free Will Baptist Church.

In 1968, Bro. Barker and his family moved to Tennessee where he began his studies at Free Will Baptist Bible College (Welch College) in Nashville where he attended classes with his daughter Suzann and son, Michael.

Bro. Barker was a devoted pastor and evangelist until his retirement in 2013. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and a true example of a life of service to Christ.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years Ann Barker; His three children Kenneth Barker (Cindy), Michael Vernon Barker (Reba), and Suzann Barker Harris (Dale) as well as seven grand children and seven great grand children.

Funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, December 15th at 1:00 pm at New Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Joelton, TN.

Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00 pm Wednesday, December 14th and 11:00-1:00 December 15th at New Hope Free Will Baptist Church. The service will be officiated by Rev. Tom Malone, Rev. Jim McComas, Rev. Corey Minter, and Rev. Barry Simpson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Welch College or New Hope Free Will Baptist Church.