John Marcus Barker

With sadness but great thankfulness we want you to know that our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and dear friend John Marcus Barker, age 100 of San Antonio, Texas; formerly of Tampa, Florida and Huntington Woods, Michigan passed away on April 27, 2022.

John was born on September 9, 1921 in Detroit, Michigan to Claude and Ivie Barker, growing up with 2 brothers and 3 cousins. He resided in the area most of his adult life, attending Hillsdale College where he earned his degree in teaching. While there he met his wife of 56 years, Marilyn. After serving in the military during World War II in the South Pacific, Marilyn and John raised their three children in Huntington Woods, MI enjoying life with neighbors, family and friends. John spent his teaching career in the Royal Oak school district. John also attended Wayne State University earning a second Masters Degree in American History. Many happy vacations were spent at Higgins Lake which included long drives in a green Ford station wagon, packed with a wife, 3 kids, dog and puking cat. After entering retirement John and Marilyn moved to the Pebble Creek Community in Tampa, FL establishing a new home base for friends and family to visit. In 2015 John moved to San Antonio, TX and resided at Independence Hill retirement community to be closer to his youngest daughter Katie.

John had numerous interests in his life, but none brought him more joy than spending time with his family and friends. Whether it was golfing, playing bridge or just sharing a beer, John cherished those times together. Always important to him was maintaining contact to those in his life, which was evident by the numerous Christmas cards he sent each year always with a personalized note. Traveling became a passion for John and Marilyn and later also for John alone, as his son, David and his wife, Dorothy live in Northern Michigan, his oldest daughter, Nancy with her husband, Klaus, their daughter Carrie, husband Kruno and sons, Patrick and Dominik live in Germany, and his youngest daughter, Katie and her sons Ryan and Chris living in Texas.

Everyone loving and knowing John, will miss his sense of humor, his card games and mainly the fact, that he has always been a part of our lives. He always wanted to out-live his father who passed 2 months prior to his 100th birthday and John was not just able to achieve this, but also celebrated his 100th birthday in 2021. All of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren had an opportunity to spend time with him during his last 4 weeks.

John is preceded in death by parents, Claude and Ivie (Kalbfleisch) Barker; wife, Marilyn K. Barker; dear aunt and uncle, Russ and Elizabeth (Momie Beth) Kalbfleisch; brothers, Robert (Jean) Barker and Richard Barker; and cousins, Bill (Shirley) Kalbfleisch, Ivie (Jim) Clark and John Kalbfleisch.

John is survived by daughter, Nancy Klein (Klaus); son, David Barker (Dorothy); daughter, Katie Tyrell (Robert Bruce); grandchildren, Carissa Bagaric-Klein (Kruno), Ryan Tyrell, Christopher Tyrell; great-grandchildren, Patrick Bagaric and Dominik Bagaric; goddaughter, Jennifer (Tom) Tlusky; and cousin-in-law, Dorothy Kalbfleisch. Also, John leaves behind a very special friend, Polly Hamel, whos companionship for the last 7 years brought so much love, laughter and fun to his life. A special thank you to all extended family and friends who always made life brighter for him.

For those wishing to make a donation in Johns memory, a contribution to a charity of your choice may be made.No services will be held. Burial will be at Acacia Cemetery in Michigan.