Donald Lee Barker

Donald (Don) Lee Barker, 91, passed away on September 16, 2023 peacefully at his home in Blowing Rock, NC.

Don was born on March 14, 1932 to Henry and Catherine Barker of Versailles, Illinois. After graduating from Woodruff High School in 1949, he joined the Army where he served with the 10th Mountain Division and 101 First Airborne Division as a paratrooper, becoming a Jump Master.

He met June Franklin, of Champaign, Illinois on a double-date and they courted all through his military career.  After 4 years in the military, Don was honorably discharged.  Soon after, Don and June united in marriage on April 28, 1953 in Indiana.

They moved to Miami, Florida where they raised six children. He began a long career in construction which led him to places like; Palm Beach Gardens, the Florida Keys, and Andros Islands, Bahamas. After vacationing in the mountains of NC, they fell in love with the area. In the summer of 1972, he and his family relocated to Blowing Rock where his vision for Roaring River Chalets became a reality. He and June operated the chalets for 20 years until retirement. During this time, he also built many homes throughout the High Country.

In retirement, he enjoyed reading, yearly trips to Florida, fishing and time spent with his loving family and friends. He was an avid storyteller, recollecting the fascinating narrative of his past. For over 70 years, Don and June had the most incredible marriage and that was one of Don’s proudest achievements, their enduring love.

Don is predeceased by his parents and son Donald Lee Jr.  He is survived by his wife; June Barker, his brother David Barker and wife Joan of Apopka, Florida, his five children; daughter Debra Cairns of Banner Elk, son Billy Barker, daughter Cathy Barker and son Jimmy Barker, all of Blowing Rock, daughter Patty Russell and her husband Raeford of Linville, his four grandchildren; Charles Cairns, Leigh Ann Cairns, Tyler Barker and Brooke Moore, and four great-grandchildren; Anthony Jr., Cooper, Juniper & Elliana.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, October 4th at The American Legion at 333 Wallington Street, Blowing Rock from 4-6pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Hunger and Health Coalition hungerandhealthcoalition.com are greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be sent to Austin and Barnes. 

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