Paul O. Barker, 102, a long-time resident of Springfield, passed away on September 23, 2026, in his home with his daughter by his side. He was born January 26, 1924, in Ava, Missouri to William Isam Barker (born in Vanzant, MO) and Annie Agnes (Mick) Barker (born in Powassan, Ontario, Canada). They both preceded him in death as did his wife, Della Mae (Barnett) Barker whom he married in 1951 and his sister, Delta Joy (Barker) Bement.

He graduated from Ava High School in 1941, fifth in a class of 104. Started at Asbury College in Wilmore, KY. Before completion, enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve program then reported for duty at Berea College in Kentucky. Transferred in 1944 to Columbia University in New York for Midshipman’s school graduating in Aug. 1944. He served aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard in World War II, in the Pacific theatre, leaving as a Lt. (JG).

He returned to Missouri and graduated at the University of Missouri with a B.S. in Business Administration. He played the trombone in the MU marching band. Later enjoyed monthly lunches with a bunch of MU graduate friends.

He was employed at his father’s insurance agency, Barker-Sell, in Ava. Also, worked for the Barker Saw Company which brought him back to Springfield. Sold the saw company and taught history and civics at Strafford High School, Kraft Foods, Handley-Adams Insurance Agency, where he met Milt Phillips where in 1960 they formed Barker-Phillips, a small Springfield insurance agency that grew into Barker-Phillips-Jackson - one of the largest and most established independent insurance agencies in southwest Missouri, now in numerous locations under the great leadership of Tom Montileone.

Paul retired from BPJ in 1992 and kept busy taking pictures of every courthouse in Missouri, along with many Methodist churches and masonic lodge halls. He was a Shriner with the Abou Ben Adhem Temple in Springfield since 1951. Again, playing trombone with the Shrine Band. He and his family took several memorable trips abroad with the Shriners in the 70’s.

Paul volunteered on many committees with the Methodist church at Dale Street (now Pathways) and King’s Way Methodist, along with many committees at annual conference where he was a lay delegate with both churches.

Paul’s love of genealogy, which started in 1953, led to volunteering with the Missouri Archives, Ozark Genealogical Society. He was the Chair of Family Research, Travelers Insurance Company South Central Agency council, Commercial Union Insurance Company National Agency council, Chamber of Commerce Roads and Bridges Committee, Secretary of State Local Records Program, Cox Medical Center Advisory Board and numerous other committees. He was also a lifetime member of the MU Alumni Association, Ozark Genealogical Society, American Forestry Association, and the Douglas County Historical and Genealogical Society.

At home, Paul was a voracious reader, worked three crossword puzzles every day and loved watching YouTube on the computer.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Elaine, of the home. His grandsons, Jayson Finlinson and Nick Finlinson of Plano, Texas, his brother, David Barker of Montgomery City, Missouri. Many nieces and nephews.

A big Thank you goes to Centerwell Home Health Care — Faith, Melody, Sam and John. Paul adored you all. Also, a thank you to Compass Hospice for their care.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, October 17th at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield, Missouri. Visitation will follow. His cremains will be interred at the Ava Cemetery in Ava, Missouri at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 in Paul’s name.