Merle “Darlene” Shaw Barker, 83, of Stout, loving mother and wife, went home to be with her loved ones in the House of the Lord on July 11, 2010, at Southern Ohio Medical Center.

She was born on April 27, 1927, at South Shore, Ky., daughter of the late Elmer and Hallie Shaw. Darlene was preceded in death by her oldest son, Warren A. Barker; and a sister Garnet Huffman.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Walter D. Barker, who lost his life in a plane accident Nov. 4, 1998, the plane was not discovered until late October 2004 in western North Carolina. Walter was born Oct. 24, 1927, at Portsmouth the son of the late John Nelson and Nevada Skaggs Barker. He was a retired yardmaster from the Norfolk and Western Railroad, a U.S. Army veteran serving two terms; he officiated basketball in the Portsmouth area for 35 years. He was a member of the Kiwanis, a pilot, avid hunter and a former Little League coach. Walter was a devoted loving husband and father.

Darlene was a loyal and devoted mom, housewife and homemaker. We could not have asked for a more wonderful and caring mom and will cherish memories of her forever.

Darlene was a member of the Eastern Star and a former employee of Montgomery Ward and Wolff’s Clothing. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Little League mother and a occasional poll worker for the elections.

Walter and Darlene are survived by two sons, Nelson E. Barker of Stout and Jerome A. Barker of Mason, Ohio. Also surviving are a daughter-in-law Priscilla Barker, and grandsons, Justin W. Barker and Trenton J. Barker, all of Mason.

Funeral services for Walter and Darlene will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Melcher Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with the Rev. Jim McCullough officiating. Burial will be in McKendree Cemetery. Military graveside rites for Walter will be conducted by James Dickey Post 23 American Legion. Friends may call at Melcher Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m Wednesday and one hour before the services on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Breast Cancer Awareness.