Thomas Boyd Barker

Master Sergeant Thomas Boyd Barker, U.S.A.F. Retired, age 85, passed on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at his home.  Tom was born in Doran, VA area and raised in Honaker, VA. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and retired after 20 years of service.  He began his second career as an engineer with Norfolk & Southern Railroad where he was employed for another 26 years before retiring a second time to become a part-time farmer.  Tom and his wife, Betty, lived in Honaker for many years where they were members of Sword’s Creek Community Baptist Church.  They later moved to Abingdon and became members of Damascus Road Baptist Church.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Thomas Barker and Mary Boyd Barker, and son, Michael Thomas Barker.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Barker; son, John Timothy Barker and wife Joyce of Bristol, VA; daughter, Lisa Barker Buchanan and husband James of Newton, NC; brothers, Lester Roger Barker and wife Debbie of Lebanon, VA, and David Barker and wife Gail of Bristol, VA; sister, Rebekah Musick and husband Gary of Honaker, VA; eight grandchildren, Joey Barker, Brooke Compton, Brittini Graziano, J.T. Buchanan, Tommy Barker, Lauren Buchanan, Kelly Ross and Donnie Ascue; ten great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be held 12:00-1:00 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2023, in the Main Street location of Farris Funeral Service.  Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Arnold King and Pastor Caleb Holman officiating.  Interment with military rites conducted by the United States Air Force will follow in Ketron Memorial Park, Lebanon, VA.  Pallbearers will be Joey Barker, Carmine Graziano, Frank Compton, Charlie Compton, J.T. Buchanan, Tommy Barker, Donnie Ascue, and Jay Howard.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.  The family of Thomas Boyd Barker is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.