Allan Barker

Gene "Allan" Barker, Jr. was born on November 13, 1943, in Durant, Oklahoma, to Gene and Margaret Barker. On November 24, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he rounded third and headed home-departing his earthly field and stepping into eternity. A sportsman from the start, Allan embraced athletics early in life. In true Barker tradition and following in his father's footsteps, he learned to play various sports and later went on to umpire baseball, officiate football, and referee basketball. These skills would shape his lifelong calling of mentoring young men through athletics. One of his proudest moments came when he and his father became the first father-son duo to officiate an Oklahoma state high school football championship game-as umpire and field judge-a stage he was always honored to share with his dad. After graduating from Durant High School, Allan attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's degree in education. He later received his doctorate from Oklahoma State University. A first-rate scholar and outstanding athlete, he received the 1966 Stan Musial Sportsmanship Award from his fraternity-an honor that reflected both his excellence and his character. Allan enjoyed a long and impactful career in education and athletics. In addition to teaching, he coached collegiate baseball at Grayson Junior College, John Brown University, Phillips University, and Oral Roberts University. More than fifty of his players went on to play professional baseball or pursue careers in the sport, including his son, Nick. In time, Nick changed his last name to Barker as a tribute to the deep respect and love he held for his father. Throughout Allan's career-and long after retirement-he was affectionately known simply as Coach. Following his years on the field, he became an entrepreneur in the tax profession, often joking that he was a CPA: Coach Paying Attention. A highlight of his career was traveling with Sports Ambassadors for Christ, taking teams to Mexico, Central America, and South America to play baseball and share their faith. Though initially reluctant to memorize the team's assigned verses in Spanish-John 3:16, John 14:6, Revelation 3:20, and Romans 3:23-he learned them faithfully and continued quoting them throughout his life. A lifelong enthusiast of the game, Allan's passion for baseball was unwavering. For him, it was more than a sport-it was a calling. Through baseball, he lived out his faith, invested in young athletes, and shaped countless lives. After 24 seasons of collegiate coaching, he devoted himself to teaching boys of all ages, sharing his expertise with everyone from four-year-olds to high-school athletes. His commitment to youth development is captured in his book, Swing Quest: A Coach's Guide to Teaching and Enjoying Youth Baseball. Whether on a college field or a youth diamond, being "Coach" was who he was at heart. Allan is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Dorinda; brothers Jim (Kathy) and Tom (Patty); children Angie, Allason, Nick (Brandi), and Courtney (Drew Beisly); and eight cherished grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Margaret Barker. He will be remembered for his love for God, his devotion to family, his passion for sports, and his unforgettable sense of humor. A man of integrity, generosity, and heart, Allan never met a stranger and delighted in practicing his Spanish with anyone willing to engage. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, December 3, at 11:00 a.m. at Life Church - South Tulsa, 7071 E. 121st Street South, Bixby, OK 74008. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Life Church - South Tulsa or World Baseball Outreach, 6217 S. Mingo Road #6318, Tulsa, OK 74133.

Allan Barker

November 13, 1943 - November 24, 2025