Bruce Harold Barker

Bruce was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 18, 1940, to Elmer and Clara Barker. He graduated from Mount Carmel High School and University of Dayton. He served in the United States Army and Army Reserves at Fort Hood, Texas.

Bruce was an industrial paint salesman, starting his career in the family business, Barker Chemical Company, and later selling for entities like Porter Paints and Carboline.

Bruce has an extensive history of volunteer leadership and community involvement, especially in the churches he attended, from PTA and Parish Council member to Cub Scout Leader, to handyman. He was a member of the Bishop Larkin Council 4727 Knights of Columbus; and he served as President of the St. Vincent’s/Ascension Health Auxiliary offering patients a joke, a laugh, and sometimes even a salute before they went into surgery.

Bruce is predeceased by his son, Daniel Barker, and his 4 siblings: Joan Brooks, George Barker, Wayne Barker, and Marjorie Meyer.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dianne Washbish Barker. Their parents were close friends, so they met as children and knew each other for 80 years. They celebrated their 59th anniversary this last June 16.

He is also survived by his children: Tanya AmRhein (Michael); Donna Espiritu (David); Nancy Rodriguez (Jose); and Christopher Barker. He was the proud grandparent of 9 grandchildren: Alyssa King (Tanner), Eric AmRhein (Sarah); Nicole AmRhein, Stephen Rodriguez, Noah Barker, William Rodriguez, Darby Espiritu, Dianne Espiritu, and Jacqueline Rodriguez; and one great-granddaughter, Skylar King, with his second great-granddaughter Daisy King expected in September.

Bruce’s interests and hobbies varied throughout his life, including swimming and golfing. In more recent years, he became an avid woodworker, creating many unique pieces now cherished by family and friends. But mostly, Bruce Barker was the epitome of a Family Man. He cherished his wife, affectionately loved his children, and provided for them even in difficult times. He always made them laugh and, with Dianne, kept their home a fun and safe place to be. He showered his grandkids with love and enjoyed every opportunity to play with them. He put God first in all he thought and did and taught the importance of his Catholic Faith to them all.

The world lost an incredible human in Bruce Barker - Servant of God, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Veteran, Friend, Uncle, Comedian, Handyman, Salesman. God gained a truly wonderful soul; and most importantly we pray he has been reunited with his son, Danny.

The family wishes to thank Community Hospice of Jacksonville for the care of their loved one in his final months.

In lieu of flowers, the Barker Family asks for donations to be made to:

St. Vincent de Paul National Council of United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 66 Progress Parkway, St. Louis, MO 63043.

Please include “in memory of Bruce Barker” on check.

OR

The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257, or give online at thefoundationcares.org/give.

Please include “in memory of Bruce Barker” on check.