Rodney Alan Barker

     Rodney Alan Barker, 75, of Vermillion, SD passed away on Friday, August 25, 2023.

     Rodney was born in Indiana on September 18, 1947, to Roy and Lois (Smith) Barker.  He had two younger brothers: Randy and Rory.  He attended Sacred Heart school and graduated from Bishop Heelan High School in 1965.  He enlisted in the Army that same year.  He served three years with the 173^rd Airborne, and one year in Vietnam, earning his Purple Heart.  He was in a team of rangers called the Long-Range Patrol.

     Rod loved to Hunt and Fish, having taken a few deer from his own property.  He liked fishing for catfish, with his dogs in tow.  He had several Vizsla, Abner and Gypsy dogs, and among them his favorites, Sampson, Molly and Baby.

     Rod also raised sheep and goats with Dr. Milburne from Elk Point, SD.  He also worked at the USD Medical School, retiring around 2011.

     Left to cherish his memory is a brother Rory (Sammee) Barker and a sister-in-law Nancy Barker, and also several nieces and nephews.

     Rod was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Randy Barker, and a nephew Coleman Barker.

     Funeral Mass will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Vermillion on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, beginning at 11:00AM, with visitation one hour prior to the service.