Richard Moore Barker of San Diego, CA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Dick was born in Indianola, Iowa to Una and Earl Barker on September 16, 1921, the eldest of four boys. Dick’s love of building and strong work ethic comes from his father, who surveyed roads in Indianola and required all the boys to work on his 600 acre wheat and corn farm. He enjoyed sports all his life, including tennis, baseball, and basketball and playing with his dog, Curly. He was a combat veteran of World War II and served as a Captain in the Army Corp of Engineers, training Chinese fighters (mostly in demolitions) in the China India Burma theater, near Kunming, China.
Dick graduated with a business degree from the University of Colorado, however, he considered Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, his alma mater. He attended there before the war and it is where he met his sweetheart, Catherine Wilson. They were married 67 years until her death on December 30, 2009. They returned to Iowa for many reunions and to see old friends. To honor Cathy, he led the effort to build the Cathy Barker Office Suite in Hillman Hall of Simpson, dedicated June 23, 2006.
Dick’s greatest legacy was his strong work ethic. His desire to provide for his family led him to jobs in Colorado, California, Texas, New York, and finally, back to California. During his time working for others, he also built homes on spec in partnership with Cathy, who focused on making them warm and inviting for buyers.
Dick was most proud of his career as Construction Manager at the Fieldstone company, San Diego. While he held that position, Fieldstone built up to 500 homes per year. After he retired, he consulted with Fieldstone, and together they gave back to the community through many projects such as the Americanization School building restoration, the Hoover High Health Clinic, and Sudan Interior Mission housing for retirees.
Dick took great pride in beautifying the homes he shared with his family. Well into his 80s, you could find him in the garden growing multiple variety of roses and vegetables. He and Cathy created beautiful homes, enjoying interior design, art, and even to the end, he made sure his surroundings reflected this appreciation. After his retirement in 1987, he and Cathy enjoyed travel to Europe and Canada, and when home, the beauty and weather of California.
Dick was especially interested in his family lineage and progeny. One of his pastimes of the last decade was creating and sharing detailed family trees dating back to the 1600’s. Dick is survived by his children: Linda Kuntz, Cindy Duff (Tim), and Steve Barker (Penny) and his 9 grandchildren: Sarah (Seth), Matt (Shannon), Josh (Shawna), Andy (Ginger), Rebecca (Josh), Paul (Stephanie), Anne (Dan), Brian (Robin), and Cary (Travis). He especially delighted in sharing with and getting to know his 21 great grandchildren: Max, Charlie, Abby, Heather, Maya, Tyce, Elliot, Miles, Katie Mae, Weston, Claire, Beatrice, Luke, Hazel, Evelyn, Cathryn, Eliana, Julian, Ezra, Griffin, and Selena.
Dick is preceded in death by his three brothers, Jack, Hugh, and Edwin; his son, John Brian Barker, and his beloved wife, Catherine Wilson Barker. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be given to the charity of your choice.
Be kind and gentle hearted to one another, forgiving each other
just as in Christ God has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
Visitation and viewing will be held July 28, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 pm at East County Mortuary, El Cajon, CA. Graveside service will be on July 29, 2021 at 2:30 pm at Singing Hills Memorial Park, El Cajon, CA
Please sign the Guest Book online: eastcountymortuary.com/obituary-listing