HILL CITY – Lyle 'Gene' Eugene Barker, 94, passed away on August 7, 2018, at Good Samaritan Care Center in New Underwood, SD.

Gene was born in Gimlet, near Rochford, SD, on November 6, 1923, to Lyle O. and Beatrice P. Barker.  He spent most of his childhood in Rochford with his seven sisters with a short stay in Montana.  He joined the army and served during WWII in Hawaii and Okinawa, as a transportation specialist.  After returning home he met Rebecca 'Becky' J. Howey at a local dance in Rochford, and were married in 1947, they had five children.   The family lived in Rapid City until 1970, when Gene transferred to Hill City for Black Hills Power.  He worked as an exterior electrician for Manley Electric and then Black Hills Power until retirement in 1989.  After his retirement, Gene was best known for walking around Hill City picking up trash on the streets greeting locals along the way.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and camping.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and son Raymond.  His surviving family members include his wife Becky; son Kenneth (LaDonna) Barker; daughters Marsha McClain, Debra Christie, and Lorry Talley; sisters, Barbara Griffin, Beverly Howey, and Sharon (Gary) Frohme; six grandchildren Jeff Barnes, David Barker, Crystal (Shawn) Krueger, Cody (Jessica) Barker, Brandon (Betsy) Barnes, Cory Christie; and eight great grandchildren.

Celebration of Life will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 13, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with Rev. Herb B. Cleveland officiating, followed by a remembrance at Canyon Lake Activity Center.  Family is requesting no flowers, memorials can be made to Hill City Senior Center or a favorite charity.