Sharing our Links to the Past by

The Theodore Turley Family Book, pp. 534-536 (Nov. 1977)

Don, the fifth child of Rufus Orrin and Ella Isadora Bushman Barker, was born Feb. 11, 1913 at Fairview, Utah. I attended school through the tenth grade at -Fairview. The next two years were at North Sanpete High School at Mt. Pleasant, Utah, graduating from there in 1931. At this time I went with my brothers Bazil. and Reed to Boulder City, Nev. to work on Boulder (now""Hoover) Dam as a welder. At this time a branch of the Church was thriving at Boulder City. Later it became a ward. While there I was given a position of drama director in the MIA. I directed and produced plays in Boulder City and Las Vegas. Proceeds from these plays financed the first missionary from Boulder City Ward.

In 1935 I left Boulder City and returned to Fairview where I prepared to attend school at Utah State Univ. at Logan, Utah, enrolling in the fall of 1935. After one full year I returned to Fairview because of my father's ill health. In the spring of 1937 I enrolled in the Mills Watch-making School at Salt Lake City, Utah. On Oct. 14, 1937 I married Nola Clement in the Manti Temple. We moved to Heber City, Utah and opened a jewelry store. Three children were born to this marriage. We were divorced in Dec. 1945.

fter the outbreak of World War II, I moved to Salt Lake City, closing my store and joining Remington Arms as Tool and Die-maker. Remaining thus employed until 1944 when I returned to Heber City and re-opened my jewelry store, specializing in custom jewelry manufacturing and diamond setting and as a watchmaker. At the time I originally opened my store in Heber City, I was the youngest man to own and operate his own store in Heber City and now after 38 years in the same location I am the oldest. At one time my brother Lee and I owned and operated a jewelry store, in Vernal, Utah.

I married Tennie Marie Watkins Sept. 23, 1947. This marriage was solemnized in the Salt" Lake Temple Nov. 15, 1968. Four children were born and they were all sealed to their parents in the Salt Lake Temple that same day.

I have been active in the MIA over 40 years, holding the following positions: Scout Master, drama director, counselor and superintendent, and stake drama. My civic activities include Chamber of Commerce Director, President of Retail Trades, Director of Lions Club, President of Lions Club and of Wasatch Co. Historical Society. Organized the Wasatch Historical Society to facilitate the preservation of the Wasatch Historical Tabernacle.

Children of Don Ray Barker and Nola Clement Barker:

Raeldon Ray Barker, born April 4, 1939 in Heber City, Utah

Dennis Nolan Barker, born Dec. 1, 1940 in Heber City

Geralee Barker Lee, born Oct. 19, 1944 in Heber City

Children of Don Ray Barker and Tennie Marie Watkins Barker:

Valorie Dawn Barker Feher, born Dec. 9, 1948 in Heber City, Utah.

Charlotte Marie Barker, born April 8, 1951 in Heber City

Wells Leroy Barker, baptized Oct. 1, 1960; endowed Oct. 28, 1971 in the Manti Temple; fulfilled a mission to Indiana Mission Oct. 1971-Nov. 1973 and is now attending the U. of Utah in Salt Lake City.

Hugh Watkins Barker, baptized Feb. 1, 1964; is attending BYU and is preparing for a mission at his 19^th birthday.

[DD from IGI]

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