May 1, 1941 ~ December 6, 2025
Norman Leroy Barker of DuBois, Nebraska passed away December 6th at home.
He was born May 1st of 1941 to Samuel Thomas Barker and Velma Elizabeth (Brewer) Barker in Humboldt, Nebraska.
He attended Humboldt grade school in district #66 for 8 years. Graduating from Humboldt High School in 1958.
During his youth he worked for many farmers in the Humboldt and DuBois communities gaining much respect as a hard worker. Upon graduating he served 4 years and 4 days in the Navy traveling to many parts of the world until the year of 1964.
Returning from the service he married his high school sweetheart Mary Irene (Chauza) Barker on May 28th, 1964. This marriage lasted 61-1/2 years. They lived in Pawnee City, then moved to DuBois in 1966.
In May of 1965 he adopted Terry James (Fidermutz) Barker to call his own.
Norman worked as a heavy equipment operator and shop person for Hopper Brother’s Quarries (Pawnee City) and also for James Frey of Bern, Kansas.
He then started his own welding and fabrication business in DuBois in 1974. After 26 years of business he closed the shop to help Mary in the DuBois Bar and Grill, until Mary’s health forced them to close. Norman was then employed by Larry Schafer where together they repaired and totally rebuilt dozers and also done some conservation jobs. After Larry’s death Norman continued to work at the shop for a couple of years before retiring.
Mary and Norman still have what is considered a “special” relationship with Larry’s sons Rand, Rob and Rick.
In his youth Norman loved hunting and fishing and camping. There were several weekends spent at Rockford Lake near Beatrice in a camper and grilling out over the charcoal and a refrigerator grate for cooking on. After eating, many hours were spent playing cards. The usual game of choice was Some ‘R’ Set.
Norman was a hero among all the kids in and around Du-Bois, because he would always be their protector if needed. Norman was a fair man and a man of his word, who would stand up for anyone who was wronged.
Norman was a very observant person who had an uncanny ability to foresee future problems by the use of an abundance of “common sense”.
Norman’s only hobby in retirement was reading. Children and pets were his enjoyment.
Preceding him in death were his parents Samuel and Velma Barker, in-law parents Velma (Blecha) Chauza, Arnold Chauza, Brothers Richard Barker and John Barker, Sister Sharon Watts.
Survivors include wife Mary of DuBois, son Terry James Barker and wife Wilma (Lucy of Sabetha, KS, Brother Sterling Barker and Wife Jean of Denton, Texas, Sisters Mary (Droge) and Husband Gary of Pawnee City, Nebraska, Sister Debra (Pepperl) and Husband Greg of Burchard, Nebraska, Brother in-law Frank Watts of Campbell, Nebraska.
Grandson Nicholas Adam Barker and Wife Sami of Austin, Texas, Step Grandchildren Joseph Paul Blaske and Wife Jennifer, Nickolas Isaiah Blaske and Isaac Cain Blaske and Wife Brandy all of Sabetha.
Great grandchildren: Emma Jade Barker, Laney Rae Barker, Barrett Jennings Barker of Austin, Texas. Logan Rand Blaske of Sabetha, Ks. Christian Paul Blaske of Sabetha, Ks. Hayden Micheal Rand of Fairview, Ks. Many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
Honorary Pallbearers: Rand Shafer, Rob Shafer, Van Rohlmeier, Ron Roland, Cody Fridley, and J.P. Schiffbauer.
Services pending for spring. Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary. com.
Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.