- Date Of Birth: November 9, 1942
- Date Of Death: January 7, 2020
- State: New Mexico
Owen W. Barker, 77, passed away peacefully at home in Deming, NM surrounded by his family on January 7, 2020. Owen was born on November 9, 1942 in Atlus, Oklahoma, son of Emma Monk and Joe Barker. Owen was raised on a farm in Cotton City, NM where he discovered his natural love for the land. He received his education in New Mexico and was a self-taught, successful businessman.
Owen met and married Elizabeth Anne Qualls of Lordsburg, NM in 1962. Together they expanded their livelihood in the oil and gas industry by moving their family to Deming in 1970 where they started Barker Oil, Inc. and operated various successful businesses, including New Mexico Drip and Sprinkler, which they sold in 2008.
Owen retired in 2012 and had time to enjoy his interests in fishing, hunting, and farming. He was an avid, life-long reader and had a passion for geology, which he studied extensively. His strong mechanical skills led him to meticulously repair and restore antique tractors including some that he drove as a young boy on his family farm in Cotton City.
Owen was constantly engaged in learning. He never started any project he didn’t finish. He was tenacious and laser-focused until his goal was accomplished. He held high expectations for himself, his family, peers and employees. He was a great influence and mentor. He made an impression on those around him and had a positive and memorable affect on people’s lives.
Owen is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Barker, his children Leslie Barker and Laurie Barker (Shane Solberg), his siblings, Shirley Jo Barker (Jim Frank Cox), Quanah Barker (Sonny Roark), and Vinita Barker (Fred Dollarhide). Owen had three grandchildren: Sydney and Reece Solberg and Ethan Barker. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws Shirley Tibbs Barker and Lla Barker as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Owen was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Emma Barker, his brothers JB, O’Neil and Ossie Barker, his brother-in-law Sonny Roark, 2 nephews, Franky Cox and Bobby Barker, a niece, Loye Roark Hernandez.
