Walter Graydon Barker

Walter “Walt” Graydon Barker passed away September 13th, 2024, at the Delta County Memorial Hospital, following a fall and other complications at the age of 93. He and his wife, Barbara recently moved to Willow Tree Care Center in Delta, CO.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, at 2pm – Calvary Baptist Church 1290 A Street in Delta, CO.

Walt was born on January 3rd, 1931, to Ella Briggs Barker and Walter G. Barker Sr. in Sterling, CO. Walt’s education was mainly in Mesa County, dropping out of High School to join the military, and in later years received his GED. He joined the U.S. Army on February 11th, 1947, and was honorably discharged August 10th, 1948, as a Private First Class.

Walt met Barbara (Sumner) and they were married September 15th, 1951. They were deeply devoted to each other which would have been 73 years of marriage on September 15th, 2024. Often Walt would say, “me and my Bride!” They lived many years on the Western Slope, and several years in the San Luis Valley. The two always worked together, worshipped together, and had faith in our Lord, Jesus. Walt cherished the 50 years at Calvary Baptist Church and being a Deacon for many of them.

Walt’s career led to different paths from wholesale and retail hardware sales, part owner and manager of retail appliance/TV store and purchasing and managing an appliance repair business. In later years Walt took on the task of driving a school bus for Delta County along with he and Barbara doing the custodial work for their church. Two jobs he didn’t think he would ever do. 

The two loved the outdoors. They enjoyed the surrounding beauty of Colorado. Hunting, fishing, and camping with family were favorites. Traveling to Mexico, the Bahamas, Hawaii, Yellowstone, and the Black Hills were special times.

Walt is survived by his wife, Barbara of Delta; three sons: Randy (Debbie) of Longmont, CO, Richard of Delta, CO, and Robert “Rob” (Jayne) of Lakeland, FL; numerous grandkids, great grandkids, great-great grandkids, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Walt is preceded in death by his parents, and three sisters: Lucille Barker, Martha Alsup and Mary Freeman.

Special thanks to the wonderful Comfort Keepers and the loving and caring staff at The Willow Tree Care Center.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Calvary Baptist Church 1290 A Street, Delta, CO 81416 or Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory.

View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at:

www.taylorfuneralservice.com