I worked with Larry Barker.  He was a great administrator.  I was the State Tuberculosis Director for the State of Iowa and Davenport under his command had a great program.  I worked with him with the Iowa Public Health Association.  I was the Secretary and Treasurer when he was the President.  I worked with him when we had an Americorps VISTA program and he worked with us having volunteers at his agency.  He was always kind organized and nice.  I am sure he is a good angel in heaven.  We send our condolences to his family and close friends.  Rest in Peace Larry.

My condolences  to all of Larry's family during this difficult time. I have fond memories of Larry at many Public Health Conferences and activities in the state. He was a great leader for Public Health for IA! You will be truly missed in the Public Health world.

Jan and family,

Cannot believe its been a year.  With Roma leaving SCHD, and Larry gone, I am going to be lonely.  Thinking about you on this anniversary.

Louie Katz.

I worked at the Iowa Department of Public Health for many years. I had the privilige of working closely with Larry on public health accreditation. Larry brought the perspective of local public health to our work. He was inspiring, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and always persuasive. He had a great sense of humor and could help relieve tension when needed in a situation. He was so supportive of my work and I don't believe I would have been as successful without him.  He cared deeply about public health and doing what was right. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to reflect on how important he was in my life.  

On behalf of our office, Dr. Urbaitis and I, (Cindy) want to express our deepest condolances to the family of Larry.  We had to privilege to serve him and share in his life.  May you always cherish the sweet memories and time that you had together.  God Bless!

I truly enjoyed working with Larry over our many years together at the Health Dept.  He was so easy to talk to and had an answer for everything (or would get us the answer).  I really admired him for his knowledge and dedication to the field of public health and was truly saddened to learn of his passing.  I hope that knowing of the positive impact he had on so many people over the years makes it a little easier for you, the family.  My prayers are with both Larry and his family.

I was fortunate enough to work with Larry early in my career at Scott County, when I worked in Administration.  Larry was completely generous with his time.  He led the Health Department capably and professionally.  More importantly he spent time with me as a newer department head in another function. He served as a mentor, providing advice, guidance and friendship.  I benefited from that guidance and friendship.  I'm very proud to have been associated with Scott County and working with wonderful people like Larry.  His leadership, spirit, enthusiasm and clever sense of humor will be missed.  Thank you, Larry.  My thoughts and prayers to Larry and his family.
Dave Whan

Larry was such a wonderful mentor to me and everyone that he worked with in Public Health and he will be greatly missed! I can't imagine the Iowa Public Health Conference without him there. He was truly a great human being! Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. 

I was sad to hear of Larry leaving us. In my long career with public health, Larry was always approachable and gave wonderful advice. He was one of those leaders who really showed us how it was done! And besides, he was just a wonderful guy and we will miss him. 

You have my deepest sympathy Jan. Larry was my first boss when I started working for Scott County in 1986. I remember walking the Bix as a race walker when he was running it. Somehow the QC Times quoted me as saying I was hoping I could beat my boss. I was a little bit worried about seeing that in the paper and then going into work. But, he took it in good humor (because he knew I would never be able to be him). He really was greatly respected by many including me. I admired him as a family man also. You were both amazing parents.

 Dear Kevin, great memories of him visiting Cluvers with his wife,family...loved it when he  and your mom came with granddaughters. We extend our sympathy you and to Lila and Emma,Jessica, your mom and to your extended family.  with sympathy and prayers,David and Carol Urda

When I returned to Iowa back in '89, Larry was one of the first Public Health leaders in Iowa I met after years in public health in Wyoming.  Larry mentored me then and continued right up until we both retired!  He KNEW PUBLIC HEALTH!  I am so sad that his life was cut short by cancer but know his family will treasure memories of good times with him, and so many public health professionals in Iowa will remember his advice and counsel.  Prayers are sent to all!

Condolences to you Janet and the whole family. Larry was a great co-worker and friend, and will always be our “Senior Budget Analyst”.  He will be missed by many many people. Our retired Scott County get togethers will never be the same. Hugs and prayers for you all. 🙏❤️

Larry was a blessing to you and to our world, and he will be greatly missed. He brought joy and aid to so many! Please accept my deepest sympathy for his loss. 

To Jan and the family—

I will miss Larry terribly.  Over many years, extending well into his retirement, he was one of my most valued colleagues and mentors.  His influence on public health practice in the area and state is widely appreciated, and those of us who worked with him closely over the years understand his depth of knowledge and commitment to wellness in the community.

Jane and I share your grief but we look forward to the opportunity to celebrate his life when the world calms down a little bit.

Louie

So sorry to hear of Larry's passing. He was a tireless advocate for public health and a wonderful public servant. He was an excellent example of professionalism and dedication - a mentor to many.

I am blessed to have enjoyed Larry as a friend and colleague. My thoughts and prayers are with Jan and the Barker family! 

I am so sorry to hear about Larry's passing.  We worked together many years ago when I was on the Board of  Supervisors.  He was great to work with as he always had the best  answers to all my questions.  He was a great guy.  I pray that you have wonderful memories  of this very  compassionate man.   Maggie Tinsman

I am a retired nurse from the Iowa Department of Public Health.  I worked with Larry on projects of Tuberculosis, Immunization, etc.   I was the Secretary-Treasurer of the  Iowa Public Health Association when he was President.  He was a friend and a co-worker in Public Health.  I danced with him at an IPHA event.  We worked on putting AmeriCorp VISTAs in Davenport.  He was a find man and a great Public Health official.   He will be welcomed to heaven and God will greet him with awards.  We have fond memories of him and wish you, his family, my sympathy.   Rest in peace and we send prayers for you now. 

My heartfelt sympathy and prayers for Larry's family, friends, and colleagues.  I remember working with Larry in the 80's.  A true public health servant and leader!  Peace.  

Condolences to all of Larry's family. I remember Larry being a role model in Public Health and saw him yearly at the Governor's Conferences over the years. He was a friend for all Public Health workers!

OBITUARY

Lawrence "Larry" Ernest Barker

October 11, 1946 – May 26, 2020

Weerts Funeral Home

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A memorial service will be held at a later date