Robert Eugene Barker, 87, of Rockford, IL died Friday, January 5, 2018. In a life well celebrated Robert served his country as a U.S. Marine. In 1957, he married Margaret Jari and together shared 58 years while raising their family in a home filled with love. Margaret preceeded him in 2015. Robert was a valued employee at Woodward Governor where he worked for over 35 years in the Jig Bores Dept., where the highest level skilled machinists were assigned. Robert fashioned his life around family and friends. He maintained his longtime friendships with his friends playing in the card club and every Monday bowling at Don Carters. He enjoyed reading and watching westerns and tuning into Molly B. and Big Joe’s polka show. He was most content when surrounded by his family.

Survivors include children, Cynthia (Brad) Hyland, Nancy (Darrin) Mathews, Carol (Alan Dalton) Ousley; grandchildren, Stephanie (Gregg Maske) Peavy, Tommy (Ashley) Castle, Heather (Ot) Molina, Kyle Barker, Bryan (Carmissa Quinlin) Ousley; great-grandchildren, Felix, Lilliana, Brody, Scarlett; loving nieces, nephews, cousins; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert (Laverne), Matt (Carole), James (Lois) Jari; many kind neighbors. Predeceased by parents, wife, sister, Betty Cunningham, niece, Pamela Buchheit

A Life well celebrated Service at 10 a.m. Friday, January, 12, at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd., Machesney Park, IL, with visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. Burial following in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Condolences www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com