Aug. 6, 1951 – Aug. 9, 2025

On Aug. 9, 2025, Bill Barker took his last ride on his favorite horse and passed away with his boots on.

William Craig Barker was born Aug. 6, 1951, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Myrle Caffall and Earl Willard Barker. He was the middle of three sons, with two brothers, Lynn and Gary.

Bill met his sweetheart, Susan Cazier, on a blind date, and they married two years later on June 24, 1971, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they were blessed with five children.

From a young age, Bill had a deep love for horses. He purchased his first horse at just 15 years old. Although he lived in a residential area, he was able to board his horse at the Murray fairgrounds, paying the fees by mowing lawns.

Bill attended Skyline High School, BYU Extension, and Utah Salt Lake Technical College, where he earned an associate degree. He followed in his father’s footsteps as a glazier, working for Bullock Glass in Salt Lake City and later for Phil’s Glass in Tooele.

In 1977, Bill and Susan moved to Erda, fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning horse property. He enjoyed horses, rodeos, target shooting, reloading, leather work, and, most of all, spending time with his family.

Bill retired early at the age of 59 so that he and Susan could serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They served together in the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission and, after returning home, continued to serve in several service missions, including at the Conference Center and the Church History Museum. Bill and Susan also served in the Salt Lake, Bountiful, and Deseret Peak Temples—an experience they deeply cherished.

Throughout his life, Bill held many callings in the Church and served faithfully. He had a strong testimony of the Savior and, though soft-spoken, was never afraid to share his love for the gospel. Those who knew Bill recognized his humility, kindness, and unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Cazier Barker; brother, Gary Barker; his children: Chris (Shanalee) Barker of Erda, Utah; Teresa (Kyle) Hansen of Stansbury Park, Utah; Jake (Nicole) Barker of Farmington, Utah; Mandy (Ryan) Johansen of Clinton, Utah; and Liz (Nick) Morris of Spanish Fork, Utah; as well as 18 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lynn Barker, and his great-grandson Emmett Burrell.