Kris E. Barker, 54, Merriam, Kansas, died Monday, April 30, 2012 at his home. Funeral services were held 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 3, 2012 at the Atkinson Chapel in Harrisonville, Missouri. The family suggests contributions to the charity of your choice in honor of Kris.

Kris was born May 30, 1957 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of William Eugene and Janet Rae (Gibson) Barker. He grew up in Lee's Summit, Missouri and was a 1975 graduate of Lee's Summit High School. He graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO with a Bachelor of Science degree in business.

Kris was a retired police officer, working in both Merriam, KS and St. Louis County, MO. He was currently employed in security at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.


Besides his family, some of Kris' loves were baseball (pitched in 3&2 League), music (member of Marching Mizzou 1976-77), fishing and the outdoors. Kris had a big heart that matched his build and loved helping anyone who needed help.

Kris was a second father and mentor to many other children he considered family.

Kris was preceded in death by his father, William E. Barker and paternal grandparents, Mary and Bill Barker, as well as maternal grandparents, Ardith Gibson and Kenneth Gibson. Surviving are his wife, Penny; daughters, Katie Barker and Melissa Barker; sons, Andy Barker and Tyler Barker; grandchildren, Edison Moody and Avery Barker; mother, Janet Barker, sister, Mary Beth Barker, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.