Gwenda E. Looker

Gwenda E. Looker, an 80-year-old resident of Kansas City North, died  on Thursday, March 13, 2014.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday March 18, 2014 at the Platte Woods United Methodist Church, with Rev. Ginger Pudenz officiating.
A family visitation is from 5 to 7 o’clock tonight (Monday, March 17, 2014) at Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville.
Mrs. Looker was born on July 29, 1933 in Trenton, the daughter of Earl and Leola Oyler Barnes. She graduated from Maryville Teachers College (NWMSU) with a teaching degree.  She continued her education to earn her master’s in education degree. She began teaching at Park Hill R-5 School district in 1954 and retired in 1990.
Mrs. Looker took a break from her teaching career in 1961-1966 to raise her family.  She went before the school board numerous times with determination to get girls sports established at Park Hill and success was finally achieved in 1974. She had numerous Missouri state champions. In 1978 she was named Missouri Coach of the Year for Park Hill girls cross country.
Mrs. Barnes was married at Trenton on May 22, 1955 to William R. Looker, who preceded her in death.
She is survived by a daughter, Deidra Combs and her husband, Randy of Kansas City; a son, William “Bill” R. Looker Jr. and his wife, Shelly of Kansas City;  four grandchildren: Jaclyn (Marco) Woody, Ryan Duncan (Priscilla), William “Billy” Looker III and Cydney M. Looker; six step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; 14 step great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, William R. Looker Sr., both parents, a sister, Delores Fullerton and great-grandson, William Woody.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Park Hill Education Foundation and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home.