Wanda Joyce Barker

Wanda Joyce Barker was born on April 24, 1953, in Springfield, Missouri, to Paul Arthur and Helen Louise (Gebhardt) Darter. She passed away on March 10, 2026, at her home in Mountain Grove, Missouri, at the age of 72.

In her youth, Wanda attended Cabool High School in Cabool, Missouri, where she excelled in track and field, particularly as a strong hurdle jumper. She also thrived in drama class, moving easily between dramatic and comedic roles, and was voted “Most Popular” during her senior year before graduating with the class of 1971. In 1974, she met the love of her life, Richard Jerry Barker, at a Nazarene Church, and they later married in Mountain Grove.

A true social butterfly, Wanda cherished conversations both in person and on the phone. Her quick trips into town, especially to Richard’s Brothers grocery store, often stretched into lengthy visits with friends and neighbors. She found joy in writing, keeping her stories and poems close, sharing them only with family and dearest friends. Later in life, she loved to travel, especially with her husband after his retirement. Together they visited Biloxi and flew with friends to the Bahamas, where she delighted in the ocean and the excitement of casino slot machines.

Above all, Wanda’s world revolved around her family. She treasured large family gatherings, especially the weekly Sunday dinners filled with barbecue and laughter. She adored spoiling her grandchildren, convinced they could do no wrong, and extended that same loving care to her many pets.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 51 years, and her sisters Linda, Nancy, Maxine, and Pauline.

Wanda is survived by her son, Jerry Wayne Barker (Rita) of Mountain Grove; daughter, Candice Haddock of Mountain Grove, Missouri; grandchildren, Brady Haddock (Leyna) of Cabool, Missouri, Brett Haddock of Mountain Grove, Missouri, Jeremy Barker (Monica) of Mountain Grove, Missouri, Shane Barker of Mountain Grove, Missouri, Sarah Grover (Randy) of Mountain Grove, Missouri, and Sheila Hemby (Nathaniel) of Spanaway, Washington; brother, Lonnie Darter (Sally) of Waterloo, Iowa; 11 great-grandchildren, other loving family and friends, and her beloved dog, Jasper.