Arthur Walter Barker

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and special friend to many passed away April 25, 2016 at Haven Hospice in Orange Park, Florida. He was born November 2, 1925 in Brooklyn, New York. Art joined the U. S. Navy right after high school working as an aircraft mechanic and retired in 1964 as an ADR1. He started his second career working for World Airways in Alameda, CA, where he became A&P Certified and then retired in 1987. He then began his third career working for NADEP Jacksonville, FL and after 38 years of government service he finally retired in 2006. Art was a long time member of the Gateway Rifle and Revolver Club, and he especially loved watching the cowboy action matches; A lifelong member of the Fleet Reserve Association and served as an officer and top member in 49 states which was a job he loved and he served with great pride. Art could sit and tell stories for hours and never repeat the same one; from running telegrams as a young boy during WWI on his bicycle, to running the NCO club in Iceland. Art had a beautiful tenor voice and sang in barbershop quartets across the United States. He was a member of St. Peters Lutheran Church in Middleburg, Florida where he was a founding participant of the Church’s “Braille for the Blind,” Bible making project. He sang in the choir and was a devout Christian and good friend to many. He was also acknowledged by his close friends for making the world’s best navy bean soup. He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Frances Hodges, and daughter Anne Carter. He is survived by his loving wife, Georgia, daughters Alice McArthur (Johnny), Jane Arnold (Rolland), son in law Bob Carter, with many grand children and great-grand children. Funeral is to be held at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Middleburg, Florida, Friday April 29, 2016. Viewing at 9:00AM and Service at 10:00AM. Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS HOLLY HILL FUNERAL HOME, 3601 Old Jennings Rd, Middleburg, FL. Please post words of comfort at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.