EDWARDS — Howard Barker died Wednesday, June 20, 2012. He was 94.

Mr. Barker was born in Edwards to Irene Clinton and George Barker. He attended Hinds County Public Schools and moved to Champaign, Ill., in 1943. He was employed with Illinois Central Railroad for a number of years and later worked as a construction laborer. After retirement, he owned and operated Midtown Restaurant in Champaign and was a partner in Central Taxi & Limousine Service. He returned to Edwards, where he attended Friendship M.B. Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Katherine Chambers.

Survivors include his wife, Francis Buffer Barker; two daughters, Joan Bryant of Carmichael, Calif., and Belinda Renee Washington of Champaign; a son, Harold Barker of Edwards; a stepson, Nick Buffer of Rantoul, Ill.; a stepdaughter, Bettie Buffer of Aurora, Ill.; one sister, Margaret Williams of Rantoul; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, including Angel Hodge of Edwards.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Friendship M.B. Church with the Rev. Bobby Burks officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until 6 p.m. Wednesday at Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home of Vicksburg.