Norman Leroy Barker

Norman Leroy Barker of DuBois, Nebraska passed away December 6, 2025 at his home. He was born May 1, 1941 to Samuel Thomas and Velma Elizabeth (Brewer) Barker in Humboldt, Nebraska. He attended Humboldt grade school at district #66 for 8 years and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1958.

During his youth, Norman worked for many farmers in the Humboldt and DuBois communities, gaining much respect as a hard worker. After graduation, Norman served 4 years and 4 days in the Navy traveling to many parts of the world until his discharge in 1964.

Upon returning from the service, Norman married his high school sweetheart Mary Irene (Chauza) Barker on May 28, 1964. This marriage lasted 61-1/2 years. They lived in Pawnee City and then moved to DuBois in 1966. In May of 1965, Norman adopted Terry James (Fidermutz) Barker to call his own.

Norman worked as a heavy equipment operator and shop person for Hopper Brother's Quarries of Pawnee City and also for James Frey of Bern, Kansas. He then started his own welding and fabrication business in DuBois in 1974.  After 26 years of business, Norman closed the shop to help Mary in the DuBois Bar and Grill, until Mary's health forced them to close.  Norman was then employed by Larry Schafer, where together they repaired and totally rebuilt dozers and also did some conservation jobs. After Larry's death, Norman continued to work at the shop for a couple of years before retiring. Mary and Norman still have what is considered a "special" relationship with Larry's sons Rand, Rob and Rick.

In his youth, Norman loved hunting and fishing and camping. There were several weekends spent at Rockford Lake near Beatrice in a camper and grilling out over the charcoal and a refrigerator grate for cooking on. After eating, many hours were spent playing cards. The usual game of choice was Some 'R' Set.

Norman was a hero among all the kids in and around DuBois, because he would always be their protector if needed. Norman was a fair man and a man of his word, who would stand up for anyone who was wronged. He was a very observant person who had an uncanny ability to foresee future problems by the use of an abundance of "common sense". Norman's only hobby in retirement was reading. Children and pets were his enjoyment.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Samuel and Velma Barker, parents-in-law Velma (Blecha) and Arnold Chauza, brothers Richard Barker and John Barker and sister Sharon Watts.

Survivors include his wife Mary of DuBois, son Terry James Barker and wife Wilma (Lucy) of Sabetha, KS, brother Sterling Barker and wife Jean of Denton, Texas, sisters Mary (Droge) and husband Gary of Pawnee City, Nebraska and Debra (Pepperl) and husband Greg of Burchard, Nebraska and brother in-law Frank Watts of Campbell, Nebraska, grandson Nicholas Adam Barker and wife Sami of Austin, Texas, step-grandchildren Joseph Paul Blaske and wife Jennifer, Nickolas Isaiah Blaske and Isaac Cain Blaske and wife Brandy all of Sabetha, KS, great- grandchildren: Emma Jade Barker, Laney Rae Barker, Barrett Jennings Barker of Austin, Texas, Logan Rand Blaske of Sabetha, KS, Christian Paul Blaske of Sabetha, KS and Hayden Micheal Rand of Fairview, KS, many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Honorary Pallbearers are Rand Shafer, Rob Shafer, Van Rohlmeier, Ron Roland, Cody Friedley, and J.P. Schiffbauer.

Memorials to family's choice for a later designation.

Services are pending for spring.

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

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