Jay Keith Barker died Monday May 5, 2008 at the Mountain View Hospital. He was born April 21, 1930 in Springville, Utah to Alma Moroni Barker and Rachel Zelma Averett. He just celebrated his 78th birthday. Jay grew up in Springville, the youngest of ten children. His father died when he was eighteen months old, and he learned at a very young age the responsibilities of helping on the farm.
Jay graduated from Springville High School. He was very athletic and played basketball, football and softball. He spent time playing softball on city league teams and was known for his fast pitch.
He was a member of the Springville National Guard. He worked at Geneva and then for Nebo School District. Jay was a custodian and then a maintenance supervisor. He did everything, including sprinkling systems, painting, and laying carpet. He met Fay Lorraine Partridge of Payson, and they married on June 27, 1951 in the Manti Temple. They spent a lot of time traveling, hunting and fishing and with their kids and grandchildren.
Jay was helpful to everyone and willing to do all he could for others. He helped haul hay and harvest fruit for family members. He was known for supplying friends, family, neighbors and the hospital staff with tomatoes and produce from his garden. For the last few years, he made sure the sidewalks of friends, and the widows in his ward were cleared of snow.
He was called to many church positions; he was a member of the bishopric, a faithful home teacher, and ward mission leader with Lorraine. He also enjoyed his service in the temple.
He built a cabin near Koosharem, Utah that his family could enjoy even after he was gone. He always wanted to make sure his family enjoyed each other.
He is survived by his children Jerry (Bonnie), Mardene, Becky (Doyle) Olsen, Jayeleene (Mike) Edwards and Kelly (Tess). He is grandpa to 12, and great-grandpa to nine. He was preceded in death by his parents and his five brothers, and three sisters. He is survived by his sister, Shirley Ivie.
