Kevin Barker

KC Barker passed away July 2, 2016 In Ulntah, Utah at home. He was born Kevin Casey November 15, 1970 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Nelden E. and Linda Dickerson Barker. He arrived just in time to cancel the annual elk hunt his father was planning. He was forever after known as KC. He grew up south of Evanston, Wyoming on the family cattle ranch with his three younger brothers.
Nelden taught all the boys to handle cattle, horses, and sheep, also to flood irrigate; and raise hay.  They each learned the value of hard work and of enjoying the cowboy way of life.
After graduating from Evanston High School; KC served an LDS Mission in Cleveland, Ohio. ReturnIng home, he attended Bridgerland Trade Tech in Logan, Utah, where he certified in every aspect of welding, including robotic welding. In 1994, KC married Lora Jones of Boulder, Wyoming, and they were
the parents of Rhett Alan. They were later divorced. Rhett remained KC's pride and joy throughout his life. He attended two years of college in Riverton, Wyoming, then started his own livestock and Hay Hauling Business. For over eight years, KC traveled throughout the west, hauling calves; lambs; and hay.
KC married Shelly Brumme in Hilliard, Wyoming in 2005. Together, they managed the Martin Ranch, in Southwest Wyoming for several years; as well as some property in Nevada. During these years, KC came to love Shelly's three daughters, Samantha, Joesey, and Chevelle. He tried his best to be a good example and step father to them and they loved learning about the ranching lifestyle.
During this same time, KC suffered multiple injuries to both feet resulting in extensive surgeries. In early 2007, KC was saddened at the passing of his wife; Shelly, and the fact that the girls went to live with other family members as he was unable to take care of them due to his own health issues.
After months of recuperation, KC became manager of the 46 Ranch near Jeffrey City, Wyoming. This huge ranch had 450,000 deeded and BlM acres. In 2008 the property was sold, and KC worked that next summer at the Snake River Ranch in Wilson, Wyoming, until having to move to Ogden, Utah for several more foot surgeries,
From 2010 to 2012, KC became manager of the Hat Creek Ranch north of Harrison, Nebraska. This was a 2000 cow/calf and yearling outfit spread over 190,000 acres. Throughout these years, KC worked extensively with three of his cousins, Clay, Justin, and Erin Smith and loved having that association. Just the kind of life KC loved. He worked a lot with the NRCS office in Chadron, Nebraska throughout this time, and managed to pull the ranch through a terrible drought, and a devastating fire. As his foot and leg continued to deteriorate, KC was forced to once again move back to Ogden, Utah, where he eventually had to have his leg amputated in 2013. This did not stop him from working horseback as much as possible.
KC is survived by his Mother, Linda of Uintah, Utah; His son Rhett of Arizona and Boulder, Wyoming; three brothers Kerby, Cody, and Rob. His father, Nelden, preceeding him in death along with grandparents, Ernest and Mary Barker, and Robert and Donna Dickerson.
Funeral service,  Wednesday, July 6, 2016 in the Evanston LDS Chapel at 201 Sage Street.   Interment will be in the Milburne Cemetery near his wife.
His brother Cody wrote, “KC was a cowboy in heart and soul.  He was a hero to many, and an inspiration to others.  When it came to riding and roping, nobody could touch his talent.  I’ll miss his advice and stories.  You’re riding with dad now, KC.  We’ll meet again on the other side.”