Stonie Barker, Jr.

Stonie Barker, Jr., enlisted in the United States Army in 1944 and served in the Philippine Islands until the end of World War II. He began his career at Island Creek Coal Corporation, working as a union laborer, section foreman, assistant mine foreman, and assistant superintendent. Barker was named president and Chief Operating Office of Island Creek Coal in 1968, later being named the chairman of Island Creek in 1983. Barker played a major role in the reaching of an agreement on a new contract between the United Mine Workers and the coal industry. This agreement followed the longest coal strike in industry history. For two years thereafter, he served as chairman of the Bituminous Coal Operators Association. Barker was chairman of the National Coal Association from 1982 through 1983. He was presented the Coal Man of the Year Award in 1984. He served as director of the American Mining Congress, the National Coal Association, The American Coal Association and the Blue Grass Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He has been a member of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers, the King Coal Club and the Old Timers Club. Barker retired in 1984.