Edward Ross Barker

Edward Ross Barker, Jr. Lt/Col US Air Force Retired died September 6, 2012 Ed was born in Dillon, Montana on May 31, 1931 to Edward R. Barker, Sr and Julia Barker. He attended grade school in Aberdeen, Washington and his high school years were spent in Sunnyside, Washington. Ed was a natural athlete excelling in football, track and in 1949 he was the state champion in the High Jump. Ed attended Washinton State University were he was a walk on athlete and became the premier pass receiver on the Pacific Coast. He set several pass receiving records at WSU, within the Pacific Coast Conference and the nation as well. In 2011 Ed was inducted into the Washington State University Football Hall of Fame. Ed played in the 1952 East-West Shriner Game at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco. In 1953 he was a first round draft pick for the NFL Los Angeles Rams. He went on to play one year with the Pittsburg Steelers and one year with the Washington Redskins before beginning a 20 year career with the US Air Force. Ed was stationed in Washington, Guam, Puerto Rico, Louisiana, Korea, California, Florida and Okinawa and was proud of his military service. After Ed retired from the military he began a second career as a real estate agent in Lakewood, WA were he especially enjoyed helping young families purchase their first home. Ed was a avid hunter and enjoyed traversing the woods of eastern Washington, Idaho and Montana for that perfect buck and bull elk. Ed also loved to travel the U.S. with is dear friend Katie Lichtenwater. They spent Decembers in Hawaii and traveled to various states in the summer. Ed loved to talk with people and was a great story teller. It was a set back when in 2008 Ed had a stroke and his speech was impacted. He worked very hard at getting back to good health and worked diligently to converse with people he came in contact with. Ed enjoyed sports, whether playing golf, bowling, attending Mariner games or just sitting in an easy chair and watching football or baseball on TV. His excitement for sports was contagious and those sitting with him or near him couldn't help but join in with his cheering and many times constructive remarks for the player and coaches. Ed was also a great lover of music and enjoyed any symphony, bands, or plays. Ed is survived by his 3 children - Dr. Lewis (Andrea) Barker, Susan (Randy) Reynolds, Jennifer Barker & (William) Zittrich. He also has 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Ed was a proud parent, freind, service man, and athlete and will be missed by all. A service commemorating Ed's life will be held at his home on October 28, 2012.