Arion “Sonny Boy” Barker was born July 28, 1926, to the late Lattimore Barker and Daisy Griffin. He had seven siblings, Betty Miller, Samuel Miller, James Miller, Martina Magee, Bernet Wilson, Willie Edward Tate and Dorothy Tate.

He joined Sweet Rest Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized. He was a good family provider. His mother taught him hard work and discipline. He drove trucks for Spell’s Trucking for years. Sonny Boy enjoyed driving his truck but his family came first. He didn’t mind helping and showing others things they needed to know to survive. After retiring, he enjoyed spending time with his family, watching Jerry Springer and eating his sweets (redesserts). He enjoyed his birthdays with lots of people. Arion “Sonny Boy” Baker married the late Elouise Pittman Barker and had 11 children.

He was preceded in death by four children, Perry J. Barker, Larry J. Barker, Eula M. Barker Bickham and Cathy.

He leaves four daughters, E. Marie Barker, Martha M. Barker, Mary A. Barker and Meshell Barker, all of Franklinton, and Brenda Duncan of Fort Worth, Texas; two sons, Jerry C. Barker (Sylvia Scott) and Byron Barker (Alfreda), of Franklinton; two eldest sons, A. Ray Tate and Patrick Bickham Barker; 26 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; a special nephew, Willie Jr. Tate; and nieces and nephews; one brother-in-law, Odeal Pittman (Brenice) of Franklinton; and one sister-in-law, Ermma Lee Magee of Gulfport, Miss.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 7, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton. The funeral service will be Wednesday, May 8, at 11 a.m. at Sweet Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 1811 Desmare St. in Franklinton. Pastor Norwest Hills Jr. will officiate.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton are in charge of the arrangements. Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.