Elwood “Woody” Barker, 91, a long time resident of Arlington, WA, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 25, 2016 at Warm Beach Health Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Woody was born on February 17, 1924 in Golden Valley, North Dakota. He was the third of eight children born to Benjamin and Grace (Campbell) Barker. He

grew up in a one-bedroom home and attended a one-room school house, which he graduated from in 1942.

Woody proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946 as a front line communication wireman in the 89th Infantry under General George Patton’s Third Army across Germany during WWII.

After the war, he moved to Everett, WA where he attended Roger’s Business College and the College of Commerce, earning degrees in Cost Accounting and Business.

Woody married Marilyn (Hermansen) in 1949 and they made their first home in the Snohomish area where he worked as a farmhand. In 1957 Woody moved his

family to the Lakewood/Arlington area, to run his own dairy farm. He later entered the construction trade, becoming the proud owner and operator of

“Woody’s Construction.”

Woody served on the Lakewood School Board from 1973 to 1979 and was involved in several local organizations. He retired in 1997 after 23 years in the construction field. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and watching his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren participate

in sporting events.

Woody is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, 4 children: Stephen (Robin) Barker, Julie (Hector) Perez, Michael Barker, and Karen (Bill) Stone; 10 grandchildren: Stephanie, Kelcie, Bryce, Aaron, Evan, Caleb, Leah, Christa, Trevor, and Tara; and 16 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Ward (Esta) Barker, Curtis (Margie) Barker, and sister, Evelyn Barker.

Woody was preceded in death by brothers Lloyd, Howard, Everett (Gene) and Virgil.

A celebration of Woody’s life will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Smokey Point Community Church in Arlington, WA. Service will be held at 11 a.m., followed by a reception from noon to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Lakewood Education Foundation or Smokey Point Community Church.