John Arthur Barker was born on the 26th of January, 1950 to Marjorie and Dale Barker. John Arthur Barker, surrounded by the beauty of his beloved Barker Farm in Bourbon County, Kentucky died suddenly in his sleep on the 6th of March, 2010. Proud of his Houston roots, John graduated from the University of Houston and South Texas College of Law. He spent his professional life of 34 years in the legal arena as a dedicated and successful trial attorney. All of his friends know, though that his real passion was horses. He was a member of many equine organizations including The Thoroughbred Club of America in Lexington and Stoner Creek and Houston Oaks Country Clubs in Paris, Kentucky where he enjoyed a good game of golf with his many friends. John retired from his law practice to pursue his dream of owning a horse farm in the Bluegrass of Kentucky. He and the love of his life, Rita Brown traveled many places in search of equine adventure including the Prix de L-Arc de Triomphe at Longchamps in ParisFrance and the Irish Derby in Dublin, Ireland, and countless trips to the racetrack with his many friends, but of all his equine adventures his favorite remained the Keeneland Racetrack, in Lexington, Kentucky. John was a true -renaissance- man throughout his life. When not at the races he enjoyed deep sea fishing tournaments, car racing and golf. He lived his life to the fullest. He achieved each and every dream. In spite of his untimely death and the hole it has left in our hearts, he leaves us with and unforgettable legacy of life, love and dreams. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Saturday March 13, 2010 at the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home, 1120 Main St. Paris, KY by Father John Curtis. Interment will be at the Barker Farm Cemetery. Pending Houston Memorial Services are to be announced. Contact Anthony Mercurio at - (713) 665- 3800. Visitation will be from 5-8PM Friday March 12, 2010 at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Reagan Brown, Sean Wentworth, Brian Kendall, Sam McLemore, Dan McHatton, Bob Roberts, Kyle Pearson. Contributions in John-s name can be made to the South Texas College of Law; The Disabled Jockey Association or to Old Friends (Thoroughbred Retirement Farm). The online guestbook is at www.Lusk-McFarland.com and a 24 hour funeral information line can be reached by calling 859-987-4387. The funeral arrangements were entrusted to your friends, your neighbors, your funeral home, Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home, Paris, KY, 859-987-2500 Visitation: 5-8 PM Friday March 12, 2010 at Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Funeral: 11:00 AM Saturday March 13, 2010 at the funeral home Interment: Barker Farm Cemetery