William Estus Barker, 81, a loving husband, father, and "Papaw", went to Heaven on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on November 29, 1932, a son of the late Orvilla and Lilly (Dale) Barker. His brother, Keith Barker, also preceded him in death.
Estus was a 1951 graduate of Spencer High School in Spencer, West Virginia. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He was a former employee of Spencer State Hospital, where he retired. Estus was an avid sportsman and a lifetime advocate of all Roane County sports.
He helped to establish the midget league baseball programs and youth football leagues for all children in Roane County. Estus volunteered numerous hours to the former Spencer High School and Roane County High School athletic departments.
Estus is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Judy Casto Barker. They had four children, Sherri (Bill) Murphy of Westlake Village, California, and Brian (Joyce) Barker, Kolleen Bradley, and Alicia (Rodney) Coon, all from Spencer. Estus is also survived by Terry (Deana) Kendall, who he thought of as his son, of Spencer. He is survived by twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers, Carl, Bob, and Dean Barker and sisters, Eleanor Bender, Mary Ann Rishel, Carolyn Greathouse, and Dorothy Mullins. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews, as well as a host of friends and numerous others who called him "Papaw", that will never forget him.
Estus felt it was not only important to add years to your life but also add life to your years.
A celebration of Estus' life will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at the Roane County High School auditorium with Pastor Russell Stump presiding. There will be a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service.
In honor of Estus, the family requests that donations be made to the Roane County High School Athletic Department, 1 Raider Way, Spencer, WV 25276.
TAYLOR-VANDALE FUNERAL HOME in Spencer is in charge of the arrangements.
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