Erlene Barker, a beloved member of her community and a dedicated realtor, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Holiday Hill Nursing Home in Coleman, Texas. Born on March 20, 1934, in Gouldbusk, Texas, Erlene lived a life filled with love, passion for her work, and a deep connection to her hometown of Coleman.
Erlene enjoyed a remarkable career as a realtor, serving diligently for over 64 years with esteemed companies including Bill Hinds, LiveOak Land and Real Estate, and Ranch Realty of Texas. Her commitment to helping people find their forever homes brought her joy; she loved her work and the clients she served. Erlene could often be seen zipping around town, enthusiastically showing properties and heading to closings, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touched.
Erlene graduated salutatorian of her class from Coleman High School, reflecting her dedication and hard work from an early age. Known for her heart of gold, she had an incredible ability to connect with others, easily forging friendships and relationships. It was said that she knew just about everyone in Coleman County, or at least someone connected to them.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Erlene found joy in hobbies that included playing the piano for the Men’s Downtown Sunday School Class. This passion highlighted her love for both music and her community, demonstrating her commitment to service in various forms.
Erlene is survived by her son, Jerry Barker of Coleman, and her two grandsons, Morgan Barker and wife Kelli, Will Barker and fiancé Calley, who she loved and adored immensely. She will also be remembered fondly by her brothers, Ted Boatright and Don Boatright, both of Coleman.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis Elvin Boatright and Ninnie Maude Hale Boatright; her beloved husband, Elgean “Gene” Barker; and her sister-in-law, Peggy Boatright.
The visitation for Erlene will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W Pecan Street, in Coleman. Rev. Aaron Mitchell, pastor at Concho Baptist Church, will officiate. Interment will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.
Erlene Barker’s legacy will live on through the many lives she influenced, the homes she helped create, and the love she spread throughout her community. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered for her kind spirit and unwavering dedication to her family and profession.
The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to SPCA of Texas at www.spca.org.
We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Barker family by signing the guestbook on Erlene’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Barker family.
