Bonnie Doris Gabbard Barker

Bonnie Doris Gabbard Barker, 94, of Union Grove, AL was called to heaven on June 19, 2017 in Huntsville, AL after a brief illness.

She was born on August 18, 1922 in Breathitt County, KY to her parents, John D. and Ethel Moore Gabbard.

She attended Midway College in Kentucky and graduated with a degree in Secretarial Science.

Bonnie was a civil service employee at Fort Knox for over 30 years where she served as the secretary to the US Army Armor School Commanding General.

She married Jake P. Barker on January 26, 1946; they were happily married for 53 years until Jake’s passing in 1999.

Jake and Bonnie were long-term residents of Brandenburg, KY then relocated to Lexington, KY after retirement where they were members of Twin Pines Christian Church.  The Barkers were avid travelers and enjoyed seeing the United States during their retirement years.  Bonnie later moved to Union Grove, AL to spend time with her family and continue serving others as a member of the Arab Civitan Club. Bonnie enjoyed reading, crafting, watching Kentucky basketball and Dancing with the Stars.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Cathy Barker of Arab, AL; her brothers William Gabbard of Jackson, KY, Bud Mainus of Breathitt County, KY and Clyde Mainus of Middletown, OH; her sisters Edna Wilder of Birmingham, AL, Grace Collins of Breathitt Co. KY and Bea Sullivan of Detroit, MI.

She is survived by her son, Bill Barker of Union Grove, AL; her granddaughter, Amanda Futterleib and her husband David, of Simsbury, CT; her grandson Beau Barker and his wife Cheri, of Arab, AL; her grandson Adam Barker and his wife Kellie of Salem, MA; and her two great-grandchildren, Max and Lily Futterleib; sisters, Gladys Turner of Jackson, KY and Cora Landrum of Middletown, OH; and nephew Barry Landrum and his wife Pam of Franklin, OH.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on August 7, at Croley Funeral Home in Williamsburg, followed by a brief internment service at Highland Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bonnie’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Memorial Garden Fund” at The Church of the Epiphany Episcopal Church, 1101 Sunset Drive, Guntersville, AL 35976.

Croley Funeral Home of Williamsburg is in charge of the arrangements.