Morton Clifford Barker

May 18, 1926 - April 30, 2020

Wichita - Morton Clifford Barker, 93, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2020 at his home. He was born May 18, 1926 in Pratt to Clarence and Lucy (Hamm) Barker. A lifelong resident of Pratt, he graduated from Pratt High School and attended Kansas State University. Morton left KSU during his first semester due to the sudden death of his father, and returned to work on the family farm with his brothers. Morton served his country in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953, serving active duty during the Korean war. His assignment in the Machine Records Unit gave hime the opportunity to learn computer skills on the early computers used by the military. He was honorably discharged, having achieved the rank of Sergeant. Morton married Betty (Leatherman) Barker on May 2, 1954 in Pratt, and they were married 65 years. She preceded him in death on February 11, 2020. Morton and Betty spent the majority of their married life on the family farm in rural Pratt, and were faithful members of the Pratt Church of Christ where Morton served as a deacon. Morton served on the Pratt School Board from 1978 to 1989, holding the office of Vice President from 1982-1983 and President from 1983-1985. He was a lifelong farmer, dairyman and cattleman. He enjoyed farming, livestock, raising his children and was an avid reader. Betty and Morton moved to Wichita in 2014, residing at The Oxford Grand Assisted Living Center, and became members of the Eastpoint Church of Christ in Wichita. The first priority in Morton's life was his faith, and he modeled integrity, hard work, and sacrificial love to his family and all who were blessed to know him. He is survived by his children, Sue (Randall) Beech of Andover, Frank (Robin) Barker of Decatur, Alabama, Leisa (Chris) Kinnin of Shawnee and Jim (Amy) Barker of Greenwood, Arkansas; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Morton is preceded in death by his wife Betty; his parents; sister Evelyn Johnson; and brothers Norman Barker and Clarence Barker, Jr. Visitation will be Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt. Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2020 at Cairo Cemetery, Cairo. Memorials may be made to Pratt Church of Christ or Carpenter Place Children's Home in care of Larrison Mortuary.