Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Barker welcomed their first child into the world on September 29, 1930. They named their son Lonnie Barker, Jr.

Lonnie grew up to become a life-long educator, a wonderful husband and a good citizen. His first teaching assignment was to teach Sixth Graders and to be the Band Director in Boyd Co., KY. Next he was Attendance Officer of the Fairview Schools in Westwood, KY. After receiving his Master's Degree from Morehead State College in Morehead, KY., he became a Guidance Counselor. A move to Ohio resulted in jobs as Guidance Counselor and then Curriculum Director in Clermont Northeastern Schools in Owensville, Ohio. After earning a Ph.D. from Miami University, Lonnie became a Professor at Southwest Missouri State College in Springfield, MO. He taught in the Department of Educational Administration from 1972 to 1998. He was instrumental in the preparation of many principals and superintendents. He retired from teaching as a Professor in 1998 from Missouri State University.

Lon was an avid reader, an art collector, a sports fan, a fisherman, a jazz enthusiast and a true lover of sports cars.

In 1960, he and Pauline Pack were united in marriage. They celebrated their 58th anniversary on May 29th of this year.

Preceding Lon in death were his parents, Jewel and Lonnie Barker, a baby brother named Max, father and mother-in-law, Alvin and Carrie Pack, a sister-in-law, Sue Pack Konicki and a brother-in-law, Denny Pack.

Lon is survived by his wife, Pauline, two brothers-in-law, Jim Pack and wife Phyllis and Blaise Konicki, a cousin, Peggy Salyers and dear friends, Diana and Roger Benter. He will also be missed by colleagues and friends of many years.

Lon passed away at The Maples Health and Rehabilitation Center on September 28, 2018.

We are very grateful to the Maples' Staff for their compassionate care during Lon's stay at this facility. A 'sense of family' exists at The Maples and we felt a part of this family. We also wish to thank Dr. Zubair for his excellent care. The devotion of the Hospice Staff was memorable and so appreciated.

While we mourn Lon's passing, we also celebrate the well-lived life of this memorable man. His wonderful sense of humor will be missed. He was a man of honor and integrity. He was the epitome of a professional educator.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 5, 2018 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. A visitation will precede the service from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation, 3645 South Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, or to the Lonnie Barker, Jr. Scholarship Fund and sent to the MSU Foundation, 300 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806, or made online at www.missouristatefoundation.org.