Roger graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1961, and attended Arlington State College (now UT-Arlington). It was in college that he met his future bride in typing class. He joined the Army Reserves in 1966 and was honorably discharged in July of 1970. During that time, he reconnected and married his college friend, Alice Marie Hendricks. The young family moved to New Orleans, LA, where Roger worked in sales for L.D. Brinkman. Wanting to return to Texas, Roger, Alice, and their two young daughters moved to Mabank, TX, and opened Cedar Creek Hardware in 1975. In 1980, Roger sold the hardware store and began working for Bill Reed Decorations in Dallas, TX, designing and installing commercial decorations. This career allowed him to branch out on his own to commercial construction and remodeling at the Dallas World Trade Center and Apparel Mart, as well as various shopping centers in the DFW area. He even owned and operated a few women’s apparel stores! After retiring from commercial construction, he went to work delivering auto parts for O’Reilly Auto Parts, which he loved! During this time, he rediscovered his love for model trains and set about collecting and showing O-gauge model trains. His passion ultimately led him to build and open the Mabank Depot. He was able to showcase his enormous collection and share his knowledge with people of all ages in the community. Roger was also an active member of First United Methodist Church and served in several capacities in the Cedar Creek Lake area. He was instrumental in getting the Old Fashioned Christmas started on Market Street in Mabank.
Roger was larger than life and deeply loved his family and friends. He never met a stranger! His hugs were legendary and his laugh was unforgettable. He enjoyed hunting with his brother-in-law, Bill Burks, fishing at Andrew Gibbs’ lake house, and chatting with anyone at Tri-County Ford or the Mabank Dairy Queen. He and Alice spent many evenings at the Cedar Creek Country Club eating, drinking, and dancing with friends. They also enjoyed evening card games, hanging out at the American Legion, and travelling. Their home was always a popular stop for their friends, children, and eventually grandchildren.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents and his best friend and brother-in-law, Bill Burks.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Alice Barker; daughters, Janet Barker Gerencser (Steve Gerencser) of Richmond, VA, and Marnie Barker Cooper (John Fisher) of Rockwall, TX; grandchildren, Tyler Gerencser, Caroline Gerencser, Meridith Cooper, Abby Cooper, Paige Cooper, Bre Fisher, and Amanda Fisher. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce Barker, and his sister, Diane Cagni, along with several cousins, nieces and nephews. Additionally, he is survived by his beloved sister-in-law, Sharon Hendricks Burks.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Hospice, 310 East Interstate Hwy 30, Suite 300, Garland, TX 75043.
A funeral service for Roger will be held Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 1:00 PM at First Methodist Church, 501 S. 3rd St. in Mabank.
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