Kelly H  Barker
March 7, 1933 – December 16, 2025

Kelly H Barker died on December 16, 2025, at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital in Stuart, Florida.

He was born in Mississippi County, Missouri, to Lonnie Eugene Barker and Clora W. Hopgood Barker and was raised on the Barker Family Home Place in the area known as Barker's Ridge. The farm shaped his life early and remained central to it. From childhood forward, he understood the work of the land and committed himself to it.

Kelly attended East Prairie High School, where he played varsity football and graduated in 1951 as president of his senior class. After high school, he worked in agricultural machinery with International Harvester and later the John Deere Company in Rock Island, Illinois. He later served in the United States Army in Germany.

After returning home, Kelly farmed alongside his family, eventually establishing Barker Brothers Farms with his brother Jackie. In time, each brother went on to establish his own farming operation, ensuring the continuation of the Barker family agricultural legacy to each of their respective families.

He married on December 6, 1959, and was the father of one daughter, Melinda. He took deep pride in his family and in the continuity of the land that had sustained them.

In later years, following his retirement from farming, Kelly spent his winters in Florida, where he found quiet pleasure fishing the waters near Lake Okeechobee.

Kelly remained engaged in the agricultural community throughout his life, including many years of service as a local delegate with MFA Oil Company. In 1996, his work was recognized through the 1996 National Corn Yield Contest, conducted by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), and through the University of Missouri Century Farm Program, acknowledging more than a century of continuous family stewardship of the Barker farm.

Kelly was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Gene Allen Barker and Jackie Barker; his sister Peggy Barker Cravens; his brother-in-law LeRoy Cravens; his sister-in-law Paula Fern Barker; and his grandson, Barker Leighton Gee.

He is survived by his daughter, Melinda Barker Gee; his grandson, Everett Bearce Gee IV (fiancée, Piper Williamson); and his great-grandson, Barker B. Gee.

A private family burial was held December 26, 2025, on the Barker family plot at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston, MO.   Dr. Zach Barker officiated.  A prayer was offered by Martin Lucas and a vocal selection by Kerry Davis.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of East Prairie, Missouri, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of one's choice.

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston, MO was in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.