 BARKER, RAYMOND H. USN RET A kind, sweet and funny man passed away on August 30, 2009, at the age of 81. Ray, as he was known to his friends and family, was bom on May 4, 1928, in Pasadena, CA. Ray spent his summers as a youth working for the lumber industry around Oregon's Willamette River Valley before graduating from Monroe High School in 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy the same year. Raymond H. Barker was appointed an Aviation Midshipman in May 1948 and earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in December 1949. His first assignment was with VA-115 at North Island, flying the A-I "Sky-raider." He also served on USS PHILIPINE SEA (CVA-47), USS LEYTE (CVS-32) USS HORNET (CV-12) and with VS-31 . Ray flew the ASW aircraft S-2-F-3 with VS-37 while he served as Executive then Commanding Officer. In August 1968, he assumed Command of Carrier Air Group-57 . In 1971, he was Captain of the Combat Stores Ship USS WHITE PLAINS (AFS-4) and in 1972 he Commanded the Aircraft Carrier USS INTREPID (CVS-11). He retired from active duty while at The Naval War College, Newport, R.I. in 1975. Captain Barker loved his country and his career in the U.S. Navy . He had over 100 carrier landings and received many Medals and Commendations during his 30 years of Naval service including, The Distinguished Flying Cross , Air Medal (eight STARS), and The Bronze Star (one STAR). He was loved and respected by his men and fellow officers. Ray earned a BS from UCLA and a Masters from The Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama while in the Navy. After retiring from the Navy, Ray worked for California Plant Protection as a Regional Manager and for Montgomery Wards before fully retiring in 1999. Some of Ray's favorite activities were spending time with his family, gardening and landscaping, sunbathing, exercising and watching professional ice skating on TV. Ray also enjoyed dining out and because he was a thrifty man, he especially enjoyed a good cheeseburger cooked just right. He was an excellent husband and father, ever loving, patient and constant. Although he is missed very much, his old fashioned values and his love of life have been passed on to his family and friends. Captain Barker is survived by his wife Marjorie Sue, his children, Christy Lynn, Richard Michael, and Dianne Sue, three grandchildren and three great- grandchildren. |