George Ivan Barker left this earth to be reunited with family and friends in the presence of his Savior, on Monday, January 5, 2015, at the age of 83.
George was born to Arthur John (A.J.) and Cecil Mary Dean on December 8, 1931 in Evanston, WY. he graduated from Evanston High School in 1949 and continued his education at the University of Utah, where he earned degrees in Entomology and Pharmacology. While at the University, George was president of the school’s Rodeo Club and first chair trumpet player in the band.
Until his retirement in 2004, George worked as a pharmacist for Evanston and the surrounding area for over 51 yrs. With his partner, Ross Warner, George opened R&G Pharmacy on Main St. in 1970 and worked there until the pharmacy was sold to Safeway.
In 1979, George was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award, the highest recognition given to adults in the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. In 2003, George was recognized as Citizen of the Year by the Elks Club, of which he was a member. George was also a member of the Uinta County School District #1 School Board for 23 years, nine of which were as chariman.
George was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where he held many positions, including teaching seminary, serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 28 for 23 years, serving in the presidency of the Duncan Hollow Branch, and serving as a CES missionary with his wife, Norene, in the Texas Fort Worth Misison.
Throughout his life, George had a deep love and respect for the outdoors, which he passed on to his children. George and Norene loved to dance and were members of the Whirl-A-Ways Square Dance Club. He published two books, A Ride Down Memory Lane, and Let Them Live On, which included many of his poems and stories.
George is survived by the love of his life and eternal companion, Norene, to whom he was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 30, 1967; six children, Darlene (Joey), Georgia (Mark), Bonnie (Bill), Scott (Amy), Randy (Vicky), and Ryan (Christa); 16 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren, and a sister, Arthella Starke. He is preceded in death by his parents, A.J., Cecil, and Flora, his sisters Ella May and Julia, and his brothers, David, DeWayne, and Kenneth.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that you make a donation to “Jim Bridger District/Boy Scouts of America”. Donations may be made at the viewing, funeral, or by mailing to P.O. Box 324, Evanston, WY. 82931.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 9, 2015 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Crandall Funeral Home, and on Saturday, January 10, 2015 from 10:00 A.M. until time of services, at the Evanston Stake Center, Morse Lee Street. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 11:0 A.M. at the Evanston Stake Center, on Morse Lee St. with President David Matthews officiating. Interment will follow services at the Evanston City Cemetery, Evanston, WY.