Tom Barker, a life well lived

With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, I announce the passing of my precious Tom, April 18, 2026. He was a man known for his kindness, gentle spirit, and fairness. Tom was of the old school, where his word was his bond.

He grew up on his family ranch in Cherokee, Texas, where he learned to break horses, mend a fence, and shoe a horse – he could do it all. Meanwhile, in Brady I was ready for a partner to walk through life with. I prayed for a lifetime partner, not a husband, as some husbands come and go. Six months later a mutual friend introduced us on a blind date and the rest is history. I always told Tom, after Jesus, he was my greatest gift from God. Tom was my gift for 41 years of marriage. Tom didn’t want to marry without being baptized. Before the wedding he was baptized in the first Christian Church in Brady and we were married there on September 28, 1985.

After we married, Tom sold his ranch interest and moved to Brady, where he worked with me and my family at Evridge’s Furniture Store. While living in Brady, Tom decided he wanted to reside in a town where they had pretty golf courses and he found Horseshoe Bay. We have loved it for 29 years!

After being in several furniture locations in Marble Falls, we built Aladdin Home Store and operated it for 20 years. Tom also owned loan offices and storage facilities in Marble Falls. He loved to dabble in acquisition and selling of properties. Tom and I retired in 2018 and enjoyed retirement for 8 wonderful years. Tom loved his golf groups and learned to play quite well. He always said when you golf with a man, you get to know his qualities, good or bad.

Tom enjoyed horse racing his entire life. Because of his love for the racing industry, we spent the last five summers in Saratoga, New York attending horse races every weekend. Tom loved his association with West Point Thoroughbreds and owned interest in several horses through them.

He also loved his Friday Morning Links Men’s Bible Study Group. The bond these men share with each other is amazing! Anytime Tom felt well enough, he definitely wanted to join them. When his cancer returned, friends would ask him how he was and Tom always replied, “It’s not ok, but it’s going to be alright.”

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary, his sister, Linda Klepper and her partner, Leland Harrington of Llano, his niece Gina Robillard and husband, Rick, of Horseshoe Bay, and their son, Carter Churchill. He is also survived by his brother Kim Barker, and wife Vicki, of Cherokee, nephew Bode Barker and wife Amber, as well as their children: Hunter Barker, Bode Barker Jr., and Sara Barker.

In the last days of Tom’s life, he decided to donate his body for medical research to help find a cure for cancer. We were pleased that his body was received by UT of Houston’s McGovern Medical School which is associated with MD Anderson, where Tom’s cancer journey began.

We are all just passing through this life on earth and now my sweet Tom is up in Heaven. I’m so thankful he’s no longer suffering and is healthy again – and in no pain. I miss him so, and just know he’s watching the horse races with Jesus!

Services for Tom’s Celebration of Life will be Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 1 p.m. at the Live Oak Pavilion at Horseshoe Bay Resort, 112 Buffalo in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. A reception will follow. In honor of Tom, feel free to wear golfing-themed or racetrack-inspired attire. Tom loved horse racing and everything that came with it. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for memorial donations to go to N.Y Racetrack Chaplaincy, 2150 Hempstead Tumpike, Elmont, New York, 11003.