Glenn Barker

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Glenn was the youngest child in a family of seven.

Glenn met his husband, David Whitaker, in 1991 in Tucson, Arizona, where he gained another nine siblings from David’s family, who were immediately enveloped in his friendship and love. Dedicated dog parents throughout the years, Glenn and David rescued three dogs together, Boo Radley, Harvey Milk, and their current pup, Maximus Joyous (a/k/a Max).

Glenn studied English and Journalism at Tyler Junior College and University of Texas in Austin. He shared his love of the written word by teaching high school English in Texas and Arizona for many years. He then worked for Cochran Public Relations and the Ohio Department of Tourism where his stories sold millions on the reasons why they should vacation in - or move to - the state of Ohio.

The best stories he told, however, were through his camera's lens, chronicling big and small life events with magnificent skill and keen perception. Always standing one step behind the scenes, his subjects were often unaware of the moments he captured until he generously shared volumes of photos and mountains of memories.

Mild by nature, our quiet English teacher became an unrecognizable fanatic while watching his beloved Columbus Blue Jackets compete. Glenn and David held season tickets to the Blue Jackets from the very first day the team arrived in Ohio and they followed the team around the world, cheering them on and instructing the referees on how to do a better job.

Together, Glenn and David shared thirty-three years traveling the globe, dancing side by side, and supporting family and friends with unfailing kindness and care.

In addition to his adoring husband, David, Glenn is survived and will be desperately missed by one brother and two sisters, Frank (Buddy) Barker, Judy Fairchild, and Claudia White. He is further survived by his Whitaker in-laws, dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews and countless friends. Special love and appreciation to Darryl Cook, Michael Garda, Melissa Wells, and Debbie Morgan for decades of friendship and magical memories. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Della (Clark) Barker, and three siblings, Nelson Barker, Alice Goodson and Jackie Fairchild.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you treat yourself by taking a photo of one of your favorite spots today or tickling your dog a little extra special. Donations may be made in Glenn’s name to the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, which, in addition to many worthy projects, supports education and children’s literacy. Donate online at Columbusbluejackets.com/foundation or via US Mail at 200 W. National Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43215.