AMES - John William Harker, Sr. 86, of Ames, Iowa, died Friday, June 8, 2007 at the Israel Family House in Ames. John was born April 22, 1921 near Cambridge, Iowa, the son of Harry L. and Levenia (Backous) Harker. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1940. John was united in marriage to Betty Offerman on January 15, 1944 in Des Moines, Iowa. John was a farmer and had lived on the same farm from 1926 until moving to Ames in 1970. He retired in 1995. He was devoted to his family, the land, farming, and to the care of animals. John was an avid Hawkeye Fan for over 70 years and an all around sports fan. He was a member of the Cambridge United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Betty, loved to travel and spend the winters in Texas and Arizona. John is survived by his wife, Betty, of Ames, IA; a son and daughter-in-law: John (Becky) W. Harker, Jr. of Ames, IA; a daughter: Victoria Harker of Jefferson, IA; 5 grandchildren: Erin (Mike) Halverson of Cambridge, IA, Matt Harker of Ames, IA, Brooke Harker, Katie Harker, both Los Angelis, CA, Justin Harker and his fiancee, Ashley, both of Cambridge, IA; 2 great-grandchildren: Sydney and Delaney Halverson; and a brother: Paul (Lavonne) Harker of Cambridge, IA; several nieces and nephews; and his special friend: Duffy, his dog. John was preceded in death by his parents; a son: Dan Harker; a daughter-in-law: Brenda Harker; and his sister: L. Naomi Stone. A Celebration of Life Service will be 1:30 PM Tuesday at the Cambridge United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Center Grove Cemetery near Cambridge. Visitation will be 6:30 - 8:00 PM Monday at the Bacon Funeral Home in Nevada. Memorials may be made the Cambridge United Methodist Church Youth Group. The Bacon Funeral Home in Nevada is in charge of arrangement.