He was born on Sept. 6, 1955 in Pendleton to Grant and Wilma Barker. Bill’s childhood years were spent in various Eastern Oregon towns, including Hermiston, Pendleton, and Milton Freewater.
He enlisted in the United States Air Force on June 27, 1974 and flew on a C-130 gun ship over Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Bill was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, a Combat Crew Badge and was honorably discharged on June 26, 1978.
He worked for various farms and businesses in Oregon and Washington over the years, including: Bob Bafus Farm, Shockman Brothers, Diesel Power in Pendleton, OR, Lorenzen Ranches, Brian Wolfe, NW Pacific Farming in Stanfield, Longley Potato, Wykoff Farms, and most recently Paterson School District, Paterson, WA.
Bill met his “Bride” Jessie Barker on May 26, 1986 and they were married on July 18, 1987 in la Grande, Oregon. They made their home in the Hermiston, Oregon area before moving to Paterson, Washington in 1993 where they have lived since.
Bill competed in wild horse racing at several area rodeos over the years. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, fishing, and hunting.
He is survived by his “Bride” Jessie Barker, Paterson, WA; son: Tyson Widel-Barker, Hermiston, OR; grandson/son: Trynton Widel-Barker, Paterson,WA; sister: Marian Schuening, Pilot Rock, OR; half brother: Tony Barker Le Clair, Spokane, WA; aunt: Pattie Bohms, Pendleton, OR; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, an infant half sister, most of his aunts & uncles, as well as several cousins.
A memorial service with military honors will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Paterson School in Paterson, Washington with a potluck to follow.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
