Born:

Mitt T. Barker, 88, of Oak Ridge, died Wednesday October 17, 2007 at his home in Oak Ridge.
Mitt was born May 7, 1919 in Boles, Arkansas to the late Edward and Dora Barker. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Air Force as a tail gunner in a fighter plane. He came to Oak Ridge and began working at Union Carbide in 1950 as a security guard. He met his future wife by letter writing and they were married on February 15, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois and returned to Oak Ridge. He retired in 1983 after 33 years of service. Mitt loved to garden and was known for his gigantic sunflowers. He loved helping others, volunteering at the NHC nursing home in Oak Ridge for over 30 years, and spent many hours treasure hunting with his metal detector. Mitt was a longtime member of Community Church of Oak Ridge and later a member of Central Baptist Church.
Also preceding him in death were his son Arnold; brothers Cecil and Wrex; sisters Elsie, May, and Lois. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Recie; his daughter Linda and husband Mike Robinson of Farragut; his son Mark and his wife Donna Barker of Powell; daughter-in-law Karen Barker of Oak Ridge; foster daughter Mattie Nolan Carpenter of Clinton; granddaughters Melissa and husband Derrick Snyder with Emma Jane and Logan of Lexington, KY; Cassie and husband Josh Landrum with Luke of Lexington, KY; Kristi and husband Andrew Tudor of Bowling Green, KY and grandson Taylor Lyon of Powell. Also surviving him are his sisters Meddie McCafferty, Bernice Proffitt, Glea Norris, and brother Wheeler Barker. In addition to their own children Mitt and Recie provided a home for seven foster children.
Funeral services will be held at Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home on Saturday October 20, 2007 at 4:00pm with Dr. Bobby Mullins officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00pm preceding the funeral. Burial will be Sunday October 21, 2007 11:00am at Oak Ridge Memorial Park with grandsons-in-law Josh Landrum and Derrick Snyder officiating. Pallbearers will be Derrick Snyder, Josh Landrum, Andrew Tudor, Mike Robinson, and Steve Price.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Central Baptist Church, 130 Providence Rd. Oak Ridge, TN 37830 or to Campus Crusade for Christ, in care of Melissa and Derrick Snyder, 1236 Spring Run Rd. Lexington, KY 40514.