Lin Barker

Lin Trenton Barker, age 83, of Tyler, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, with family at his bedside. He was born on June 9, 1942, in Westville, Florida. He was the eighth of ten children born to Bunk and Ethel Barker. From an early age, he learned the values of hard work, integrity, faith, and caring for others — values that remained the foundation of his life. Coming from a large family created lifelong bonds that he treasured deeply. He especially loved the annual Barker family Easter reunions in Florida, where gatherings often included more than seventy family members. Lin had a deep love for both his family and his community, and his philanthropic spirit left an indelible mark throughout East Texas. For more than fifty years, Lin owned and operated several businesses, including Highway Auto Parts and Eagle Fuel & Oil. Through those businesses, he built lasting friendships and treated employees and customers like family. Lin believed in showing up early, working hard, and always doing what was right. Lin was a devoted member of Marvin Methodist Church, where he was active in his Sunday school class, The Seekers. He held his faith close to his heart and sought to live a life guided by Christian values. He found peace in the pages of his well-worn Bible and in his relationship with God. Outside of work, Lin enjoyed time on the golf course with his many friends, flying his beloved Cessna aircraft, quail hunting in West Texas, traveling, and most of all, spending time with family. Lin shared fifty-six wonderful years of marriage with his late wife, Sandra “Sandy” Lee Barker, and later found companionship and happiness with his wife, Laura Hyde Barker. He is survived by his sons, David and Lisa Barker of Longview and Craig Barker of Bullard; his grandchildren Marley Barker, Matt and Kaytlin Barker, Lawson and Rachel Barker, and Mason Barker; and his stepsons Todd and Kim Hyde of Tyler and Trevor and Jennifer Hyde of Kerrville. Those who knew Lin will remember his kindness, generosity, strong work ethic, faith, wisdom, and quiet leadership. He leaves behind not only a business and a legacy of hard work, but also a family and community made stronger through the impact of his life. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Marvin Methodist Church, 300 W. Erwin Street, Tyler, Texas. Graveside services will be held Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Limestone Cemetery in Westville, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Lin’s memory to: East Texas Food Bank 3201 Robertson Rd Tyler, TX 75701 Bethesda Health Clinic 409 Ferguson St Tyler, TX 75702 Kourage Health 820 S Baxter Ave Tyler, TX 75701 Honorary pallbearers are Herb Buie, Titus Jones, Tony Morgan, Gene Shull, Bill Wylie, and the late HT Hyde, Bill Long and Bill Sheehy. A life built on faith, family, humility, and hard work will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue through the family, business, and community he loved so deeply.

Lin Barker

June 9, 1942 - May 16, 2026