Dennis Barker

Our kind father, grandpa, uncle and loyal friend, Dennis Nolan Barker, passed unexpectedly, but peacefully, into the night on September 7th, 2026.

Dennis was born on December 1, 1940, in Heber, Utah, to his loving parents Nola Clement and Don Ray Barker. Dennis spent his early childhood in Heber, Utah, until his family moved to Lehi, Utah. He attended Lehi Elementary and Lehi Middle and High School. Dennis enjoyed tennis, skiing, working on cars, and causing mayhem around town with his best friends Stan and Delbert. As a teenager he developed a love for restoring antique cars, which carried throughout his life. After graduating high school, Dennis joined the US Army, where he trained at Fort Hunter Liggett on field combat. He then attended Brigham Young University.

At age 26 Dennis met the love of his life, Gayla Dee Cameron. On December 31, 1973, the two eloped in Las Vegas at the Little Brown Chapel. Over the next three years they welcomed their two boys, Alex and Ryan. They raised their family in Sandy, Utah, and later moved to South Jordan, Utah, after the boys graduated high school.

Dennis was an amazing dad, but an even better grandfather. His four grandchildren lit up his world! He spent hours attending cheer competitions, mountain bike races, gymnastics competitions, basketball games, and exploring mines. Not to mention the many hours he helped to watch over the kids. His presence will be deeply missed by his cherished grandchildren, who loved “Barker.” They were devastated when they learned of his passing. The family text thread, “21st Century Barker’s”, and Sunday dinners will never be the same without him.

Dennis worked in the auto supply industry as a Vice President of Sales and Operations. He spent his years in retirement on his favorite hobby: collecting and restoring antique toys and cars. He also loved his dog, a Scottie named Darth, who passed a few years ago. He then adopted a golden retriever, Toby, who would not leave his side. Also mourning his loss and the many snacks he freely gave is his Siamese cat, Peach Melba (Mel).

Dennis cared deeply for his mother, who lived to be almost 103 years old. For over a decade, before her death, he tenderly watched over her every need. He was determined to honor her wish to not go to a care facility.

Dennis was outlasted by his two sons, Alex Cameron (Emily) and Ryan Christopher (Julie) Barker; his four grandchildren, Mercedes, Jack, Madison, and Allison Barker; his siblings, Raeldon (Dana) Barker, Valorie (Sherman) Feher, Charlotte Barker, Wells (Sue) Barker, and Hugh (Alexandria) Barker; sisters-in-law, Marion Wilkinson and Carolyn Montegue; brothers-in-law, Eddie (Nancy) Cameron and Brent Herrick; and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gayla Dee Cameron; parents, Don Barker and Nola Clement Barker; parents-in-law, Jack and Ruby Edwards Cameron; his sister, Gerealee Herrick; and brothers-in-law, Clark Wilkinson and Mike Montegue.

We will deeply miss our dad, grandpa, and friend. We love you, Big D. Rest in peace and watch over us. We know you were very tired from a life well lived. With heavy hearts your picture will be added to our Día de los Muertos ofrenda, where we will honor and celebrate your memory.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1570 West 11400 South, South Jordan, Utah 84095. A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services.

Burial will be at The Orem Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem, Utah 84097, at 3 p.m.