Ed Barker was a lot of things to me, my high school principal in Boone, one of my best and loyal customers at Randy’s Flooring, a true friend who always seemed to know when we had treats at work, sometimes I would call him to stop in and share some special sweets, he always said I will be right down just don’t tell Ethel. Many of Randys employees knew him and loved it when he stopped in.

Ed and Ethel were so generous in helping their employees making sure their children could afford to attend college. He was so generous to so many and will be dearly missed.

Randy Ward

On behalf of the Rotary Club of Carmel-by-the-Sea, we humbly offer our deepest condolences to Ethel and the Barker family on Ed's passing. We were privileged to meet Ed and Ethel through the Carmel-by-the-Sea Rotary Club. We enjoyed our time with Ed at the weekly Rotary meetings along with having coffee most mornings at the Carmel Bakery with a group that Ed called the "The Bakery Gang." We all learned more about Iowa, Iowa City and several of Ed's business ventures including the "Garage Mahaul" than we ever thought possible! Each spring before the Barkers went home to Iowa City, Ethel invited the "Bakery Gang" and our spouses over to their home on Dolores Street in Carmel for breakfast which was always delicious and a highlight for all of us.

We are humbled for being a small part of Ed's journey...He was a great guy that will be greatly missed.

Graeme & Chris Robertson

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Ed Barker was one of the most generous and amiable people we ever met. It started at a Carmel California bakery and coffee shop, where Ed and others held sway and talked about everything. Ed's jovial manner endeared him to all of us. Over the years, when he and Ethel came to our little Peninsula he never failed to keep in contact. When he was back in Iowa City he made sure that we always knew the scoop in local news. We traveled to an Amish farm near Iowa City one day with Ed as our tour guide. He got me hooked on the local paper too.

You meet a lot of folks as you age, but few if any become (as if they were) lifelong friends, even if only for a decade of two. Ed (and Ethel) are those kind of folks. Ed was a great man, an honorable man, a wonderful family man. Rest in Peace, old friend.

Roger and Adrienne Denk

Monterey California

Mr. Barker was our principal my senior year in high school in Chariton, Ia. He brought sensibility to the office from our previous principal. Mr. Barker attended many of our high school reunions in Chariton. He will be missed.

Walt Neighbour, Class of 1961

Ed was a contributor. Always willing to engage in a conversation about the best path for our community. Taking time to speak with "young bucks" like myself. These exchanges were greatly appreciated. These types of experiences and positive role models helped me decide how I wanted to be in the world--even when the direction came from someone with whom I didn't always agree. May you celebrate him well.

Ed was special. I will always remember him for his passion, intellect, and humor as he could be working with staff then immediately turn around and deal with important (or not so important) student issues. He always made you feel that you have something special in you no matter your problem. He was a great role model for teachers and students alike.

Great Uncle Ed will be truly missed. He left many terrific, lasting memories with us here in San Diego. Especially the jokes and little rhymes. Love you all.

Susan and Family- I was sorry to hear of your father’s death. He was a great educator and strongly guided West High through a rapidly changing world. I miss you friend. Prayers of comfort to your family.

To the entire Barker Family, I am greatly saddened to learn on Mr. Barker's passing. My teaching started in 1968 at West Junior-Senior High school, and we were blessed to have him as our Principal. His Outstanding Leadership and Educational Skills guided me throughout my 45 years of teaching. He was an outstanding humanitarian and has left a wonderful legacy for Iowa City Community Schools. I join you in celebrating his life. Our Hearts and Prayers are with you. God's Speed Mr. Barker, you are always with us. .......Ralph Kryder Friendswood Texas

It was my privilege to serve as Principal of Jefferson when Ed was principal at West High. We had many interesting discussions. He was on the cutting edge of several innovations to high schools. He was a principal of the times and tried to teach us all the value of listening to students. I enjoyed Ed and valued his contributions to secondary education. He was good for staff and students, and was willing to listen. I join the family and friends in celebrating his life. He made a difference. God Bless him and all those that join in remembering all he was and did.

William C. Jacobson Jefferson Principal 1970-1990.

Dear Ethel and family,

My deepest sympathies to the family. I was fortunate enough to have worked for the Barker family for 15 1/2 years. Ed was one of the best employers I had the privilege of working for. He was still a teacher long after he retired from West High. He would stop in the office on his way to his Rotary meeting and he was always open to giving suggestions and advice. It was always done with kindness, fairness and humor, but most of all with respect. He was an interesting man who shared some of his adventures of his travels. He was always the family man. Once a year he would bring his grandchildren in for a tour of the apartments. You could see how proud he was for us to know his grandchildren, and for his grandchildren to know what hard work could produce. The world has lost a wonderful man. Rest in peace, Ed. With heartfelt sympathy, Susan Dozark

Dearest Barker family, my sincere condolences. I began @ West High the same year as Mr Barker. He was a great man. My 6 siblings also went to West & we all have great memories of Mr Barker. I remember clearly in 1970 when we girls were finally allowed to wear pants to school! He also shopped at my store downtown on sidewalk sales & didn't like to spend more than $5 for a pair of pants. I'll always treasure having known Mr Barker!

Dear Ethel and family,

My deepest condolences to you all. I first met Mr. Barker (it's still hard for me to call him Ed) in 1969 when he hired me to be part of the library staff at West High. Since then, I've met more of you and cherish your friendship. After Mr. Barker retired as principal at West High, his photograph hung on the wall near the library office. Gene Klimstra and I felt certain that Mr. Barker's eyes followed us as we interacted with students! With sincere sympathy, Ellen Caplan