Russell Alan Barker

Russell Alan Barker, 54, of Tulsa, OK, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. He was born on Tuesday, August 4, 1964, in Tulsa OK, to Thomas Neil Barker and Mary Ellen (Steen) Barker. Russell met the love of his life, JoAnn, in the summer of 1982 at Crowell Heights Baptist Church in Tulsa, OK, and they were married there on Thursday, January 23, 1986. Russell graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1982. He enjoyed playing basketball and baseball when in high school. He was an avid sportsman, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, softball, golf, and baseball. Russell was a hard worker, and spent his career working at several vocations, the last seven years as a Material Handler Supervisor at S&R Compressor. He was a faithful, loyal, true, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, who loved life, and always had fun living it. He had an adventurous spirit, and during their 33-1/2 years together, he and JoAnn enjoyed many wonderful Adventures. They were leaving for a vacation to Europe, when he was called to his home in glory. Russell gave his life to his Lord and Savior in 1981, was baptized at Southwood Baptist Church in Tulsa, OK, and he has been serving Him ever since. His faith and love of God were the center of his life, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, for both his family and his Savior. He had a steadfast Christian faith in God, that never wavered under any circumstance, and it sustained him throughout his life. Russell was a devoted member of Parkview Baptist Church, Tulsa, OK, where he was active in the Recreation Sports Ministry, and enjoyed attending various church activities. Every Sunday, when JoAnn came down from singing in the choir in the first service, you could always see them both faithfully sitting in the third row, left section of the sanctuary. Russell had a heart for missions and he and JoAnn participated in many, through the years; namely, Russia's Up With Down, and trips to Chicago, Guatemala, and Mexico. Russell also participated in all sports-related missions, including Karate and many others, too numerous to mention. Russell was a prayer warrior, and read his Bible daily. He would most want to be remembered for showing and telling others the way to Christ. He loved the Lord with all his heart and soul, and was a role model to his family and others as he walked out his Christian life. No matter what he was doing, he did it all, as if unto the Lord. As a person who lived his faith daily, he believed in helping wherever and whenever he was needed. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it be to his family, church family, friends, coworkers, or strangers that he just met. Russell was known for his countless acts of generosity and kindness, many of which we will never know, and he leaves behind a legacy of caring that affected many people and made their lives better. He was a kind, patient man, had a real listening ear, and he excelled at being a role model and mentor to others. He believed being positive was a choice, and lived a life full of gratitude, never missing an opportunity to say "thank you" for even the smallest act of kindness. His example was an inspiration to all who knew him, and he was an encourager, who always chose to see the best in people. You would never hear him say a negative word about anyone. He believed in forgiveness, and showing mercy and grace to everyone. Russell had a kind, gentle, giving spirit. He value friendships and relationships. His lifelong friendship with The Ross family is a testament to his loyal nature. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He always gave unconditional love and encouragement, and never hesitated to tell them how proud he was of them and how much he loved them. As a loving father and Papa, Russell enjoyed spending as much time as possible with them, fishing, swimming in the pool, riding bikes, pushing them in and out of swings, and anything else their hearts desired. But, most importantly, he enjoyed praying with and for them, reading the Bible to them, taking them to church, and passing his faith along to them, by teaching them about Jesus. Russell will be greatly missed in the days ahead, and although he was taken from us way too soon, his spirit and memories will live on within each of us, because we were privileged to have him in our lives. There is no doubt that Russell will be rewarded to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." And, we who are saved and know the Lord, have joy in our hearts, resting in the assurance we will be with him again, in Heaven, one day soon. What a day, glorious day that will be! Russell is survived by his wife, JoAnn; daughter, BriAnna Bradish and her husband, Michael of Camdenton, MO; son, Zachary Alan Barker of Tulsa, OK; 5 grandchildren, Sheridan Bradish, Riata Bradish, Quincy Bradish, Colt Alan Barker, and Gus Michael Barker; mother Mary Ellen Barker of Tulsa, OK; sister, Trish Montgomery of Tulsa, OK; many nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of friends. He was preceded in death by his father. Pastor, Steve Lewis, will be officiating Russell's Celebration of Life, and Mike Knight will be leading the praise and worship music. The Owasso Community Choir will be offering a song of remembrance. The pall bearers will be Michael Bradish, Grayden Blanc, Michael Kramer, David Bradish, John Ross, and Philip Stonecipher, Jr. Visitation 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 22, 2019 Moore's Eastlawn Chapel, 1908 S. Memorial Dr., Tulsa, OK Celebration of Life 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Parkview Baptist Church, 6805 S. Sheridan Rd., Tulsa, OK Interment at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens, Broken Arrow, OK

Russell Alan Barker

August 14, 1964 - July 17, 2019