March 17, 1940 – September 28, 2018
Siemper Fidelis, Always Faithful. Kenneth “Ken” Lee Barker lived his life by this motto until Friday, September 28, 2018 when he entered his next adventure, passing away at home with family by his side.
Always faithful to family. Ken was born to Earl & Eleanor “Elner” (Glassbrook) Barker on March 17, 1940 in Lansing, Michigan. He joined older sister Carol (Peck) Jones and later Rhonda (Art) Younglove came into the family. He lived in Lansing until he graduated from Eastern High School and enlisted in the Marine Corps on July 30, 1959. He served until 1965, and on August 21, 1965 he married Carol Baker at the First Baptist Church in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Ken and Carol had 3 children, Rhonda (Mark) Gelstein, Bryan (Kristen) Barker and Melanie (Gaston) Leoni and 9 Grandchildren Tyler, Logan, Alyssa, Lauren, Brandon, Ben, Jordan, Aaron and Sarah.
Ken created Barker’s Bars, a construction materials company. Through his business he touched many lives with his humor, hard work and dedication. Anyone who asked him how he was doing would get his trademark answer “If I was any better I couldn’t stand it.” He impacted people through his rental properties, often helping his tenants far beyond a typical landlord relationship.
Spending time with his friends and family fishing on Lake Michigan, golfing and being out in the yard on his riding lawn mower or making sure every branch that fell was burned in his fire pit brought him joy. He always enjoyed getting out and about in his 1959 Nash Metropolitan convertible. He loved life. His booming laugh would make others around him laugh, even if they didn’t know what was funny. He was always ready to “get this show on the road”. He was happiest when he was active.
Always faithful to community. Ken was an active participant in life. He was a volunteer firefighter and building inspector for Marcellus, served on the Benton Township Planning Commission, was a member of the American Legion and Covenant Christian Church. As a 19 year cancer survivor, he supported Dani’s Dancers, the family Relay for Life team and Hockey for Life. He was a quiet helping hand to so many people over the years.
Always faithful to God. Ken dedicated his life to God and walked that path through the rest of his life. He taught finances and budgeting, managed the church books and was always there to encourage and support. When he passed, he joined his sister Rhonda and his parents Earl and Elner in heaven.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 10:00 am at Starks & Mechinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph with Pastor Dan Head officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Sodus. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, October 5, 2018 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial celebrations may be made to Caring Circle or Hockey for Life. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.starks-mechinger.com.