Lawrence "Lex" E. Barker

Lawrence “Lex” Barker passed away August 11, age 86. He was born in Keokee, a coal mining town in Southwest Virginia, to Lawrence Sr. and Jessie Barker (deceased). He was proud of his mountain heritage and always considered himself a hillbilly. He received his undergraduate degree from Emory and Henry College, Emory, Virginia and his masters in applied mathematics from NC State, Raleigh, North Carolina.

He is survived by his wife Mary, children Ann Confer, Allen Barker, Karen Stoneham (Chris), Brittany Ashworth (Kevin), brother Keith (Rita), grandchildren, Todd and Scott Confer. Kelsey and Brian Stoneham, Faith and Peyton Ashworth, and nieces and nephews.

Lex retired from NASA, Assistant Head, Analysis and Simulation Branch, after 34 years of service. He had been retired almost 32 years. Lex and Mary spent early married years in Hampton, then moved to Hilton Village where they lived 55 years. Lex was an early devotee of running beginning in the late 60's. He passed on his enthusiasm to fellow workers, getting many of them to run. He organized races, including one known as the Great Race of 10 miles. He played on the Langley tennis ladder, enjoyed racket ball and squash. He loved to play on a hot afternoon and wear out an opponent.

He loved pencils, pens, watches, puzzles, clocks and radios. He always set up a puzzle or game the children and grandchildren had to solve before they could find their Christmas presents. He was an avid picture taker and enjoyed passing on his work with printouts. He looked forward to the monthly retired NASA men's luncheons, ROMEOS, retired old men eating out. Most of all he loved his family and always looked out for our welfare. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Hilton.

Memorial service at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, Poquoson on August 26, 3:00 pm, visitation following.

In lieu of flowers please give to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.

Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.

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