Merion Russell Barker

Russell was born in Dover, New Jersey on December 7, 1936, to Merion and Mary Barker. He graduated from Roxbury high school in Succasunna, New Jersey in 1955 and enlisted in the US Navy. He was stationed in Key West, Florida where he met and married the love of his life, Helen Louise Whitehead, on August 2, 1957. He worked for the Key west Police Department and Historic Tours of America.

His favorite pastime, in addition to spending time with his family, was just hanging out in the woods enjoying all that nature has to offer. He loved to go hunting and fishing, and he was an excellent fly fisherman. He also enjoyed watching baseball, football and hockey. He was an accomplished woodworker and could build just about anything you needed.

He will be remembered for being a wonderful husband and father. Taking care of his wife and family was always his first priority and he was the best at it. He was always up for family gatherings, which occurred often, and nobody will ever forget the fun and interesting stories that he told.

He was strong, caring, and independent and he enjoyed that independence to the very end. He always made the best of things and never complained. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen Louise Barker, his parents, Merion Elihu Barker and Mary Margaret Barker, his sister Nora Katherine Bradford and his best friend Earl McCain.

He is survived by his children, Michael Barker of Middleburg, Florida, Barbara Lusko (Michael) of Jacksonville, Florida, Leahdorne Lopez (Denis) of Middleburg, Florida. Grandchildren, Marisa, Russell (Jessica) Erica (Mike), Michael (Amanda), Kate (Stephen), William (Aubrey), Denise (Taylor), Daniel and Ashley.

Great grandchildren, J.D., Nathan, Weston, Parker, Lula, Wyatt, Willie and Waylon. Sister-in-law Leahdorne Vidal. Cousin Penny Sowers (Ted) Emporium, PA.

Nieces and nephews: Nancy Arnot Emporium, PA, David Bradford (Mary Ann) Emporium, PA, Kim Clark (Tim) Andover, NJ, Barbara Coble (Cliff) Jacksonville, FL, Rob Blackmore (Renee) Michigan, Jennifer (Robb) Michigan, and numerous other family members and friends.