Tom Barker
HORSESHOE BAY, TEXAS – With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, I announce the passing of my precious Tom on April 19, 2026. He was a man who was known for his kindness, gentle spirit and fairness. He was of the old school, where his word was his bond.
Tom grew up on his family ranch in Cherokee, Texas, where he learned to break horses, mend a fence and shoe a horse… he could do it all. I, meanwhile, was in Brady, and was ready for a partner to walk through life with, so I prayed for a lifetime partner, not a husband, as some husbands come and go. Six months later a mutual friend introduced us on a blind date and the rest is history.
I always told Tom, after Jesus, he was my greatest gift from God… and Tom was my gift for 41 years of marriage. Tom didn’t want to marry without being baptized, so before the wedding, he was baptized in the first Christian Church in Brady, and we were married there on September 28, 1985.
After we married, Tom sold his ranching interest and moved To Brady, where he worked with me and my family at Evridge’s Furniture Store. While living in Brady, Tom decided he wanted to reside in a town where they had pretty golf courses. That’s when he found Horseshoe Bay, Texas and we have loved it for 29 years!
We moved to Horseshoe Bay and after being in several furniture locations in Marble Falls, Texas, we built Aladdin Home Store in Marble Falls and operated it for 20 years. Tom also owned several loan offices and storage units in Marble Falls. He also loved to dabble in acquisition and selling of properties. We retired in 2018 and enjoyed our retirement for 8 wonderful years.
Tom loved his golf groups and learned to play quite well. He always said when you golf with a man, you get to know a man’s qualities, good or bad.
Tom has enjoyed horse racing his entire life. Because of his love for the racing industry, we spent the last five summers in Saratoga, New York, attending the horse races every weekend. He loved his association with West Point Thoroughbreds and owned interest in several horses through them.
Tom also loved his Friday morning Links Men’s Bible Study Group. The bond these men share with each other is amazing! Anytime Tom felt well enough, he definitely wanted to join them.
When Tom’s cancer returned, friends would ask him how he was, and Tom always replied, “It’s not ok, but it’s going to be alright….”
Tom is survived by his wife, Mary, his sister, Linda Klepper and her partner, Leland Harrington of Llano, Texas, her daughter Gina Robillard and husband Rick of Horseshoe Bay, and son, Carter Churchil. Also, brother Kim Barker, and wife Vicki of Cherokee, Texas, their son Bode Barker and wife Amber, their children Hunter Barker, Bode Barker Jr., and Sara Barker.
In the last days of Tom’s life, he decided to donate his body for medical research to help find a cure for cancer. We were pleased that his body was received by UT of Houston’s McGovern Medical School, associated with MD Anderson, where Tom’s cancer journey began.
We are all just passing through this life on earth …. and now my sweet Tom is up in Heaven. I’m so thankful he’s no longer suffering and is healthy again…and in no pain.
I miss him so, and I just KNOW he’s watching the horse races with Jesus!!!
Services for Tom’s Celebration of Life will be at: Live Oak Pavilion- Horseshoe Bay Resort, Q112 Buffalo, Horseshoe Bay, Texas, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Reception to follow.
In honor of Tom, feel free to wear golfing theme or racetrack-inspired attire. Hats are optional but encouraged.
Tom loved horse racing and everything that came with it. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for memorial donations to: N.Y Racetrack Chaplaincy, PO Box 37191, Elmont, New York, 11003. nyrtca.org.