Daniel "Danny" Barker

Daniel “Danny” Stephen Barker, 77, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, in Buffalo City, Arkansas. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, on April 4, 1947, to Sherman L. Barker and Helen W. Barker. Danny graduated from Warwick High School in Newport News, VA, in 1965, where he was a standout player on the school's basketball team, affectionately nicknamed “String Bean” for his tall, slender build. After high school, he attended the Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding, completing a four-year program. He became a machinist supervisor specializing in CNC machine tools, retiring after 41 years of dedicated service.

In 1983, while on a fishing trip to Arkansas, Danny met his future wife, Lena Fountain. They were married for 37 years. After retiring in 2006, Danny and Lena moved back to Arkansas, where they embraced their shared love for fishing. They built a house on the White River, which became the heart of Danny’s passion for fishing. Taking the advice of his brother-in-law, Charlie, Danny became a guide on the White and North Fork Rivers. He wasn’t just a guide but a beloved teacher, sharing his extensive knowledge through teaching opportunities, speaking engagements, and mentoring his clients. He was an active member of North Arkansas Fly Fishers (NAFF) and recently completed a book of stories from his early fishing years, intending to donate all proceeds to NAFF’s youth program.

Danny was known as #1 of the “3 Amigos” alongside his close friends, Paul and Dave, who shared his love for fishing. When not guiding a trip, he could often be found on the river with his fellow Amigos. His sudden passing, while unexpected, occurred in the place he loved most-on the river, in his boat.

Danny is survived by his wife, Lena; two brothers, Edward (Nancy) Barker of Lynchburg, VA, and Michael Barker of Silsbee, TX; three daughters, Shelley (Jerry)Wilson of Mountain Home, AR, Karen (Gary) Dwight of Calico Rock, AR, and Melissa (Martin) Hauch of Cave Springs, AR; and two sons, Todd (Samantha) Barker of Gloucester, VA, and Michael (Tammy) Payne of Gassville, AR. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly. Danny was preceded in death by his parents.

A Gathering of Family and Friends for Daniel will be 5:00 pm, Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Kirby and Family Funeral Home. Entombment will be private in Kirby's Tucker Memorial Mausoleum, Mountain Home, AR. 

Memorials may be made to North Arkansas Fly Fishers Youth Program (link below). 

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.