In the early morning hour of January 22, 2015, Heaven gained another angel. Benjamin Jonathan Barker, or Ben as he was known by all who knew him, was born in El Paso, Texas on October 10, 1976. Ben relished in the fact that he was 5 minutes older than his identical twin brother Matt. Ben and Matt did everything together from the day they were born. They were not only brothers but they were the best of friends. Ben was the 3rd child of Leroyand Barbara. He and his siblings Ginny, Roy, Matt and Sharon grew up in the military and lived in several different places growing up, but Ben always considered Centreville Maryland his hometown. Ben moved with his family to Utah in 1991 where he attended Kearns High School before graduating from Hunter High in 1994. Ben was a computer guru and was everyone's go to guy when they had problems with their computers. In November 2003 Ben became a father to his son, Brendan. To say that he was a devoted father was an understatement. He lived every moment of every day for his son and was so proud of Brendan and how great of a kid he is. Ben spent many years looking for that one special someone who he could call his own. A few short months before his passing he finally found his sweetheart Kim White. They were planning their future together and planned to marry. Ben defined the very essence of the words generous, kind, loving, sincere, and caring. He would often go out of his way to help his friends, neighbors and loved ones as well as perfect strangers. Our hearts are broken and not a day will go by that we won't think of Ben and strive to live our lives worthy to be with him again. We find comfort in knowing that he is with our Father in Heaven and that he is wrapped in the arms of our Savior and surrounded by those who went before him. We find solace in knowing that Ben is happy, whole and at peace.
Ben is survived by his parents, Barbara (Dale) Dau, Leroy (Sally) Barker, his siblings: Ginny Barker, Roy (Andrea) Barker, Matt Barker, Sharon (Jacob) Crown, and Kristina Barker and David Barker, his son, Brendan, his sweetheart, Kim, as well as 9 nieces and nephews and countless friends, family and loved ones.
Funeral Services for Benwill take place on Friday January 30, 2015 at 12:00 Noon at the Forestview Ward LDS Chapel, 1111 East Charlton Avenue (2818 South) in Salt Lake City, Utah. Viewings will be held on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, and on Friday morning at the Ward from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be at Mt Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 Southin Salt Lake City following the funeral services. Please leave online messages and condolences for the family at www.larkinmortuary.com.
