of Searcy, AR
February 10, 1921 - January 24, 2015
Arvle James Barker, 93, of Searcy passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was born in Romance, Arkansas on February 10, 1921 to the late Earl Bradford Barker and Essie Deflora Barker.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Dorothy Dean Barker, one sister, Sibyl Hughes, and four brothers, Thurman Barker, Ernest Barker, Ray Barker and Billy Wayne Barker.
Arvle is survived by his two daughters, Barbara Janes and husband Tom of Peoria, Arizona, Connie Valencia of Rancho Cucamonga, California, and son James Michael Barker of Saint Johns, Florida, five grandchildren, Memory Seltzer and husband Michael, Daryl Janes, Shon Epting and wife Jennifer, Jeremy Valencia, and Nicholas Barker and wife Shruti, along with thirteen great grandchildren. He also is survived by his brother, John Barker of Jacksonville, Florida, sister-in-law Myrtle Lee Barker of Searcy, brother-in-law Carl Bailey of Long Beach, California, numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives, his church family and a host of friends.
A veteran of World War II, from 1943 to 1945 Arvle served as a Corporal with the 955th Signal Corps, 14th Army Air Force, in Chabua, India. A few years following his return home from the war he and Dean moved their family to Bell Gardens, California, where Arvle worked as a mechanic for thirty years. Upon retirement in 1983, they returned to Searcy.
Arvle enjoyed fishing, woodworking and tinkering. Strong in his faith, Arvle was active in church throughout his life. Despite his soft-spoken manner, he had a great sense of humor and the ability to spin a good yarn. He frequently entertained family and friends with stories from bygone days. Arvle loved to laugh and make others laugh. He enjoyed life.
Family visitation will be Tuesday, January 27, 2015, 6:00-8:00PM at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home (501)268-3546. Funeral service will at 10:00AM, Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at Cloverdale Church of Christ with Mr. Karl McLarty officiating. Entombment will follow at White County Memorial Gardens with military honors.
Our prayers are with the Barker family during your lose.
Our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Arvle. He was a creative inventor of many devices, and loved by the entire family. His brother, John will miss their many phone calls and reminiscing about their many escapades. Our love and prayers are with you all.