David “Ned” Barker

DAVID “NED” BARKER

David “Ned” Barker passed quietly on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025. Ned was born near Anderson, MO, on December 1, 1937, in a log cabin on the family farm—a cabin that still stands today and holds a piece of his story. He was the youngest child of William “Bill” and Lena (Roberts) Barker, growing up with three older brothers and two older sisters. Preceding him in death were his parents; sisters Sarah Jane and Roberta; and brothers Kenneth and Don. His surviving twin brother, Samuel “Ted,” still resides in Anderson, carrying with him a lifetime of memories shared with Ned.

After high school, Ned worked wherever he was needed, always willing to learn something new. In 1958, he married the love of his life, Dorothy M. (Penn), beginning a partnership that anchored him for the rest of his days, until her death in 2023.  He had joined the MO Army National Guard in 1955, and in 1963 moved his young family to Lone Jack when he was assigned to the Nike Missile Base.

Ned had a work ethic that left a mark on everyone who crossed his path. He started a hay-hauling crew made up of local boys, many of whom became lifelong friends. He loved to tease that he bought Dorothy a brand-new hay truck for her birthday. Those boys—and his own sons—learned firsthand what hard work meant under the summer sun in those hay fields.

When the missile base was decommissioned, Ned returned to the Reserve Guard and retired as an SFC after 25 years of service. He then built a career as a union carpenter, eventually becoming a construction superintendent. He took pride in the buildings he helped raise—Kemper Arena, the AT&T building, Independence Center, Bannister Mall, and countless Walmarts and McDonald’s. The awards he received from McDonald’s and Walmart reflected the pride and craftsmanship he poured into his work.

Ned never met a stranger. He had a way of making people feel like they’d known him forever, and growing up, it always seemed that no matter where we went, Ned knew someone. His sense of community ran deep—he served as school board president and was honored as Lone Jack Citizen of the Year. He was also ordained in the RLDS (Community of Christ) Church.

Ned is survived by his sons David (Donna), Jerry, and Danny (Stephanie), all of Lone Jack. He was a loving and deeply involved Papa to his grandchildren Shannon (Darrell) Gillihan, David (Debra) Barker, Ryan Barker, and Matt (Katie) Barker. He was blessed to see six great-grandchildren added to his legacy, each one bringing him joy. Ned will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives he touched in quiet, lasting ways.

A visitation will be held at the Community of Christ Church in Pleasant Hill on Thursday, Dec. 4th, from 5–7 p.m., with the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Friday. Interment will follow at Lone Jack Cemetery. Acting as pallbearers will be Justin Hobbs, Gary Penn, Matthew Barker, Matt Barker, David Barker, and Jack Wilkinson.

We loved our father very much. His presence filled our lives, and his absence will be felt every day. We will miss him dearly.