Clarence Sharp Barker Obituaries

Clarence S. Barker, entered immortality December 3, 1996 at home with his family, of causes incident to age.

His strength, service, stability, constancy, diligence, generosity and smile will be greatly missed. Born April 1, 1903 to Frederick Ellis and Cecilia Sharp Barker, he was raised in an environment of pioneer thrift and frugality. He learned never to waste -anything and exhibited meticulous care for himself and his belongings. Always conscious of his health, he ate, exercised and lived a disciplined, yet abundant and fulfilling lifestyle. He loved life and constantly showed his appreciation for even the simplest things.

He always provided an example of love, integrity, thriftiness, dedication, perseverance and hard work. Even in difficult times, he was quick with a smile and never faltered from his creed that "Life is Wonderful." He graduated from LDS High School, received a B.S. from the University of Utah and served an LDS Mission to South Africa. He loved the outdoors and knew intimately the flora, fauna, geography and history of the canyons, mountains and valleys of Utah.

He married Maurine L. Christensen in the Salt Lake Temple on November 14,1933. Supportive of each other, they developed a wide and diversified group of friends. Their house was open to all, family, friends and strangers all shared in their generosity. She preceded him In death June 30,1982.

A career journalist, he developed a reputation for thoroughness, honesty, integrity, accuracy and fairness. He worked for the Deseret News, the Salt Lake Tribune, the Salt Lake Telegram and the Church News. Most of his career was spent at the State Capitol Building where he single-handedly covered the operations of state government.

An avid sportsman, he loved camping and hiking, especially up City Creek Canyon. He was seldom beaten at ping-pong or tennis. He created an outstanding legacy as a devoted husband, noble and wise father, enthusiastic grandfather and adoring great-grandfather. His characteristic trademarks include "mush* for breakfast, willow whistles, green beans, 10 p.m. bedtimes and "Heechy and Shorty* stories. He had a keen mind to the end. His vast knowledge and experience made him a walking encyclopedia, an instant spell checker and an excellent source of advice. An avid gardener, he consistently cultivated the earth and took great joy and delight in bringing forth a bounteous harvest - one which he was always quick to share with others. His wisdom and humor were an integral part of his dramatic storytelling. Not only did he create his own stories, but he brought those of others to life.

An active member of the LDS Church, he held many different positions and taught by example and deed the teachings of righteousness he loved so much.

Special thanks to Heber Paulsen, Stelnar Gruer, Ruth Anne Reynolds, Susan Tippets, Kathryn Horne, Barbara Miller, Dr. Milton Jackson, Narda Beas-Nordell, Michael Zabrlskie, Paisley, the staff of Creekslde and the other helpful beings, both seen and unseen, that helped in his final transition.

Survived by his children, Miriam (Dale) Zabriskie, Salt Lake City; Paul (Ruth) Barker, Farmington; Bonnie (Ken) Rice, Salt Lake City; David McKay (Darlene) Barker, Bountiful; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; many cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws and friends. Preceded in death by his spouse, parents, grandmother and siblings.

Memorial service will be held Friday, December 6 at 12 noon at the Bonnevllle 2nd Ward, 1535 East Bonnevlew Drive (1020 South), Salt Lake City. Friends may call one hour prior to the service or at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Thursday evening, December 5, from 6-8 p.m. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Source: Deseret News, December 4, 1996, Metro Edition, Page B4

Deseret News Veteran Clarence Barker Dies

Clarence S. Barker, 93, veteran newsman of 44 years—20 of that number for the Deseret News at the State Capitol— died early Dec. 3,1996, of natural causes at the home of a grandson in Salt Lake City.

Mr. Barker began his career as a copy courier for the Deseret News in 1928. Following an LDS Church mission to South Africa, he worked at the Salt Lake Tribune from 1932 to 1947. The latter year he covered the centennial reenactment of the Mormon pioneer trek, which was sponsored by the Sons of the Utah Pioneers. Later that year Mr. Barker returned to the Deseret News.

At the Deseret News he was a Church News reporter, copy editor and city and county reporter. From 1952 until retirement in 1972 he was the paper's Capitol Hill reporter, single-handedly covering almost every area of state government. After retirement he served as a correspondent for the Church News for four years while living in Arizona.

Mr. Barker was born in Salt Lake City, graduated from LDS High School in 1921 and received a bachelor of arts degree in English and education from the University of Utah in 1925. When he retired at age 70 from the newspaper in 1972, Mr. Barker was honored at a surprise luncheon instigated by then Gov. Calvin L. Rampton. Most of the state's elected officials and department heads were at the gathering, along with Deseret News officials and co-workers of many years.

Mr. Barker was praised for his reputation as a "superb reporter," for being an "editor's reporter, never forgetting a deadline and for being honest, fair and complete." A news competitor once said of Mr. Barker that he seemed to be "slow moving" but that he (Barker) beat him with stories nearly every day.

At the state luncheon, Rampton presented Mr. Barker with a replica of the State Seal, and the Utah Chapter of Sigma Delta Chi (now the Society of Professional Journalists) gave him a plaque with engravings of front pages from the Deseret News. Earlier, he received the Courtesy is Contagious award from Rampton. The award was the first to be presented to a non-state employee.

Funeral services will be at noon Friday, Dec. 6, in the Bonneville 2nd Ward chapel, 1535 Bonneview Drive (1020 South). Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, and beginning at 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Source: Deseret News, December 3, 1996, Metro Edition, Page A10

Transcribed by Ruth H. Barker

Scanned by Emily Barker Farrer