02-16-1931 – 05-24-2023

William Ordene Barker, 92, of Viola, Ark. passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Viola, Ark. Ordene was born Feb. 16, 1931, in Viola, Ark. to William Clough Barker and Myrtle Elizabeth (Stephens) Barker. Ordene married Lena Faye Hodges on March 8, 1950, at Elizabeth, Ark. and to this union three children were born. Ordene worked at General Mills for 15 years in Kansas City, Mo., for six years on the ferry at Norfork Lake, and as a dairy farmer for 23 years at Elizabeth, Ark. Ordene enjoyed fishing, shooting pool, playing Rook, and sitting on the porch and visiting with family and friends. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, uncle, friend, and was of the Baptist faith.

Ordene leaves to mourn his passing, wife, Lena Barker of Viola, Ark., two sons, Danny Barker (Belinda) of Birch Tree, Mo. and Allan Barker of Viola, Ark.; daughter, Marsha Ford (Bob) of Fort Morgan, Ala.; seven grandchildren, Stacie Harper (Chad), Tara Meek (Gary), Misty Bales (Chris), Candace Blodgett (Jonathan), Dustin Barker (Brandi), Zach Barker, and Baylie Morris (Justin); eleven great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother (Bob Barker), and two sisters (Adlee Cotter and Marjorie Williford Holstine).

Graveside services were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the Viola Cemetery with Bro. John Hodges officiating. The interment was in the Viola Cemetery in Viola, Ark. Pallbearers were Danny Barker, Allan Barker, Justin Morris, Dustin Barker, Jonathan Blodgett, Chris Bales and Zach Barker. Honorary pallbearers were Jake James, Garry Williams, Bill Hodges, Wally Hodges, Leon Hodges, Scott Barker, Rick Cotter, Connie Hutson and Roy Cunningham. Memorials may be made to the Viola Cemetery Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home, LLC in Salem, Ark. Guests may sign an online registry @www. barkerfuneral.