Paul Michael Barker

Paul Michael Barker, age 60, died May 12, 2026, at McLaren Hospital, following heart failure after a long battle with chronic kidney disease. Born August 2, 1965, in Ionia, Michigan, Paul was the son of Robert Louis Barker and Valerie Jean Marquette Barker.

Paul married Bethany Louise Blesch Barker on July 16, 1988, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lansing, Michigan. The two met while attending Okemos High School, beginning a partnership marked by steadfast devotion and shared purpose. Paul and Bethany currently reside in Williamston and, over the past 38 years, also made their home in Okemos, Haslett, and East Lansing.

For more than 20 years, Paul owned AA Plus Home Inspection Services and served his community as a certified Home Inspector. Prior to that, he worked at DTN Management Company. In both his professional and personal life, Paul was known for his reliability, strong work ethic, and practical judgment—qualities that earned trust and respect and reflected a life lived with steady integrity.

A parishioner at St. Martha Catholic Church in Okemos, MI, Paul valued faith and community. He also found deep joy outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing in many rivers and lakes around the state and was a lifelong hunter. He and Bethany purchased their 73-acre property in Williamston specifically for deer hunting and named it “Bucks Run,” a place that reflected his appreciation for the land and the traditions he cherished.

In earlier years, Paul devoted time to coaching basketball and baseball in Haslett for his son’s sports teams, offering patient guidance and dependable encouragement. He also enjoyed golfing and boating. Throughout his life, Paul’s charisma and generosity fostered lasting friendships, and his honesty and common sense were a steady presence to those who relied on him. Above all, he was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and a favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Paul is survived by his wife, Bethany of Williamston; his son, Mike, and Mike’s wife, Samantha (Haupert), of Williamston; his granddaughter, Rylee; and his grandson, Travis. He is also survived by his mother, Valerie Barker of Williamston; his brother, Stephen of Williamston; and a very large family of brother, sister-in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his father, Robert Barker.

Visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home - East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823 on Friday, May 29, 2026 between the hours of 4 pm until 7 pm.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at St. Martha's Catholic Church, 1100 W. Grand River Ave., Okemos, MI 48864. The family will greet friends at the church on Saturday beginning at 9 am until the Funeral Mass.

Paul’s life was saved twice by kidney donation and transplant. In his memory, the family asks that you consider signing up for the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, which is managed in partnership with Gift of Life Michigan and the Michigan Secretary of State. You can register online by visiting Michigan.gov/OrganDonation or Gift of Life Michigan.

Three words: Strong, Loyal, Generous, and Hard-working