Daniel Barker

Daniel Ray Barker, or Dan as he was known to friends and family, was born on April 30, 1946 in Alton, Illinois and spent his formative years growing up in Owensboro, Ky, where he became an outstanding basketball player. He graduated from Daviess county High school, where he met the love of his life , Gaynelle Cox. They married, then Dan received a basketball scholarship from Kentucky Wesleyan College where he was a valued member of the two-time National Championship team. He received his bachelors and master's degree in education, but always had the dream of coaching. The dream of coaching was realized at Florida College, where he was loved and respected by his players. He eventually returned to Kentucky to begin his business career, but his first love was in preaching, and leading others to Jesus Christ. Many people were led to Christ as a result of his work. He most recently resided as head of evangelism and a preacher at Vestavia Church of Christ. He not only did this in person, but he had a podcast called "Leading the Way", and he had just launched an app named "The Way" to assist in teaching others.

Dan's family feels secure in his heavenly reward, as he dedicated his life to teaching and leading others to Christ, and lived to serve his Lord. His wife and children are sure that his last takeaway is "WOW" when he sees heaven.

Dan was the oldest of eight children. He was preceded in death by his parents; Meara Lee and Harold Lloyd Barker. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Gaynelle; son, Richard Kevin Barker; daughter, Kimberly Ann (Teddy) Butler; grandchildren, Daniel Butler, Kaylan (Harris) Green, Jensen (Colt) Gorman; siblings, Diana (Tom) Eliff, Carolyn (George) Stuart, Chris (Carl) Willis, Patty (Sid) Tadlock, Steve (Faith) Barker, Cindy (Lee) Laborda, Mary (Scott) Howarth; brothers-in-law, Mickey Cox and Don Cox. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews. Dan deeply loved his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother. He often told fun stories about his children and grandchildren and he enjoyed making them all laugh. His love and laughter will live on in each one of their lives.

2 Timothy 2 : 1-2 [1] Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. [2] And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Services will be held at Vestavia Church of Christ

2325 Old Columbiana Road

Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35216

Visitation in Lexington, KY will be Monday, January 8th from 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 3421 Harrodsburg Rd., Lexington KY 40513

Graveside burial Tuesday, January 9th, 10:45 AM at the Lexington Cemetery 833 West Main Street, Lexington, KY 40508.