Owen Charles Barker's Obituary
Owen Charles Barker
July 27, 1930 – January 15, 2026
Owen Charles Barker, 95, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, from complications related to kidney disease. A man of faith, intellect, and tireless work ethic, Owen leaves behind a legacy of service and love. He was known for his friendly nature and a genuine love for people that drew others to him throughout his long and full life.
Owen was born on July 27, 1930, in North Ogden, Utah, to Frederick and Della Hickenlooper Barker, the youngest of seven children. He grew up working the family’s two farms in North Ogden, tending to livestock and the fruit farm where his love for peaches, apples, and cherries began.
After graduating from Weber County High School in 1948, Owen attended Weber College. In 1950, he served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States Mission. Owen gained an unwavering testimony of the restored gospel. After his mission he married Jerrie Hansen on March 5, 1953, in the Manti, Utah Temple.
Owen graduated from the University of Utah in 1956 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. His career in the aerospace industry took the family to California, where he worked for Hughes Aircraft Company. Owen played a pivotal role in national defense, managing the design of missiles and components for high level projects, including the Maverick Missile.
Owen and Jerrie shared a beautiful life in Woodland Hills, Westlake and Thousand Oaks, California, where they raised their four children. Following retirement in 1987, they spent nine years living a full time RV lifestyle, traveling the country and square dancing with friends. They eventually built a home in Washington, Utah, which served as a base for their continued adventures.
Owen’s life was defined by being around others. He served in numerous church callings, including with Jerrie at the historical sites mission in Cody, Wyoming, and many years in the St. George Temple baptistry as shift coordinators.
Owen was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Kenneth, Lowell, Vanese (Mathews), Myra (Parson), LaVar, and Wendell, his son Tracy, son-in-law Carlos Castelo, and granddaughters Trista and Marie. He is survived by his eternal sweetheart, Jerrie, his children Janet (Kent) Guymon, Kelly (Linda) Barker, and Carrie Castelo, and a large, beloved legacy of numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Service Information Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at 1410 Oak Hills Dr, Layton, Utah. A visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in the afternoon at the Ben Lomond Cemetery in North Ogden.
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