Nadine Barker

Nadine Barker passed from this world into the arms of Jesus on August 6, 2026, with her devoted daughter, LeAnne Bernard, and son-in-law, Jeff, by her side.

Nadine was born January 30, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, to Kermit and Ethel Schnelle. She married the love of her life, Tom Barker, in 1961. Their beautiful marriage spanned 65 years and was filled with family, faith, friendship, adventure, and service to others.

Nadine was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, loyal friend, and faithful follower of Christ. A homemaker and tireless volunteer, she devoted her life to serving her family, church, friends, and community. In so many ways, she embodied the woman described in Proverbs 31 — serving others with strength and dignity, opening her hands to those in need, and faithfully caring for those entrusted to her.

Nadine was a longtime member of Doxology Bible Church, formerly McKinney Memorial Bible Church, where she was active in her Community Group and the Vantage Point Sunday School Class. She served as Vantage Point’s Fellowship Leader, creating countless opportunities for friendship and fellowship.

Before joining Doxology, Nadine was a member of University United Methodist Church, where she served as Youth Director.

Service extended into nearly every area of Nadine’s life. She held leadership positions in many organizations, including the Fort Worth Symphony League, where she served as President and Oktoberfest Chairman and was named an Honorary Life Member.

Nadine had a deep love for nature and God’s creation. An avid bird watcher, she and Tom traveled throughout the world identifying birds and participating in annual bird counts.

Travel was one of Nadine’s great joys. Adventurous by nature, she even took flying lessons. She enjoyed cruises with her son, Jim, and his family; Disney vacations with her daughter and her family; trips with close friends; and Elderhostel programs and visits to national parks with all of her grandchildren.

Nadine was extraordinarily creative and artistic and frequently used those talents in service to her church and community. One of the most memorable expressions of her joyful spirit was volunteering as “Daisy” the clown. She visited children’s hospitals, schools, and nursing homes and even mimed for deaf children. She was a member of Cowtown Clown Alley #135.

Nadine also loved the arts, museums, gardens, and theaters. She volunteered with and held memberships in numerous organizations. She was a member of the Tarrant County Medical Alliance, TSPP Auxiliary, and APA Auxiliary, and served as President of the Nu Sigma Nu Wives Club.

Nadine treasured her many friendships and had an extraordinary gift for making people feel loved and important. She was a member of the Bunco Babes, Mahjong Mavins, and Birthday Lunch groups and played Party Bridge and Duplicate Bridge. Each of Nadine’s friends could easily believe she was Nadine’s very best friend.

But that most special place in her heart always belonged to her daughter, LeAnne. Nadine also shared a close relationship with her son, Jim. She was his rock and helped him become the outgoing, confident man he is today, always reminding him that he was perfect and worthy exactly as God created him.

Above all else, Nadine loved her family. She was its center and its soft place to land — always ready with encouragement, loyalty, laughter, and unconditional love. Her positive spirit and remarkable ability to make others feel special will continue to bless all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Nadine was preceded in death by her parents, Kermit and Ethel Schnelle; sister, Kaye Hodges; Greg Butler; Keith Butler; and Laurie Bernard.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Tom Barker of Fort Worth; daughter, LeAnne Bernard and husband Jeff of Fort Worth; son, Jim Barker and wife Karen of Augusta, Georgia; grandchildren: Paige Schleicher and husband, Zach; Annalise Harkrider and husband, Tim; Chance Barker and wife, Tina; Logan Barker; and Jack Barker; and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Joanne Butler of Kingsland; sister, Denise Rosenberry and husband Dennis of San Antonio; Wayne Barker and wife Mary of Georgetown; Jo Ann Bernard and family; the Evensons; and many friends she loved dearly.

Nadine will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered. Her life was one of faith, family, friendship, creativity, adventure, and joyful service to others — a very well-lived life.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and aides at Heart to Heart Hospice for their loving care of Nadine, especially for the compassion and comfort provided during her final hours.

A Memorial Service will be held at Doxology Bible Church, with details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Doxology Bible Church, 4805 Arborlawn Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76109.