Nate Barker

Nate Barker, age 20, of Grants Pass, died Friday, August 17, 2007 as the result of an automobile accident in Kuna, Idaho.

A graveside service will be at 3:00 p.m., Monday, August 27, 2007 at Wilderville Cemetery. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of local arrangements.

Remembrances may be made to the Army National Guard, Family Support, c/o Grants Pass Armory.

He was born Nathaniel Wayne Barker July 4, 1987 in Arcata, California. In 1992 he moved from Eureka, California to Grants Pass where he attended North Valley High School for his freshman year and part of his sophomore year. In 2002 as a sophomore he moved to Selma where he attended Illinois Valley High School until graduating in 2005. In 2004 during his junior year in high school he enlisted in the Oregon National Guard where he served in the 186th Infantry, 41st Battalion Delta Company of Grants Pass. He served active duty in Afghanistan receiving eight awards and medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, NATO Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. Nate was currently still enlisted in the National Guard.

His hobbies included dirt biking, jeeping, camping, and snowboarding.

Survivors include his wife, Jessica Marie Lavassaur of Grants Pass; his mother, Jessica Couris Cotta of Selma; his stepfather, Manuel N. Cotta of Selma; three brothers, Paul and his wife Myia Couris, Brandon Cotta, and Padraic Cotta; one sister, Megan Cotta; and his grandparents, Manuel & Faith Cotta, Merrilyn Barker, and Dean & Joan Couris; uncle, Rob Barker; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dan Barker and his brother, Aaron Couris.