Vernon Ray Barks, Sr.

Vernon Ray Barks, Sr. Goreville—Vernon Ray Barks, Sr., 63 of Goreville passed away at 10:05 AM, Christmas morning, Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at his home with family by his side. Funeral services for Mr. Barks will be on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Blue Funeral Home in Goreville with Dr. Ron Ferguson officiating. Interment will follow in Cana Cemetery-Goreville. A time of gathering for family and friends will precede the funeral service starting at 9:00 AM and lasting until the service hour on Saturday. Memorial donations are suggested to the family. Envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home PO Box 411, Marion, IL, 62959. Vernon was born in St. Louis on Thursday, December 15, 1949 to Vernon & Bessie Barks. He married Rachael Jane Johnson on Monday, August 20, 1984 in St. Louis. She preceded him in death on Monday, October 12, 2009 after 25 years of marriage. Mr. Barks is survived by his children, Vernon Barks, Jr. of Goreville, Jeff & Karen Cooper of Hot Springs, MO, Wayne Barks of Texas, Harry Barks of Arnold, MO and Nick Barks of House Springs, MO; grandchildren, Kayla, Samantha, Kylie, Jenny, Maddy, Makenzie, Lexy, Trinity, Sheyanne, Nicholas, Matthew, Angelina and Sabastian; great-grandchildren, Nathan and Jack and siblings, Harry & Fay Barks of Oakville, MO and Dee & John Walker of High Ridge, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife. Mr. Barks served in the US Army as a Ranger during the Vietnam War for which he received a Bronze Star. He loved to cook and spend time by the water, preferably camping. Vernon Ray was known for being a bit of a “jokester”. He raised 5 boys alongside his wife, Rachael. He was a stern but loving father.