Gerald W. Barker
Gerald W. Barker, Jr., age 59 of Bolivar, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Park Village Health Care Center at Dover, following a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Born in Union Hospital at Dover on Oct. 22, 1959, Jerry was a son of the late Gerald W. Barker, Sr. and Marlene J. (Lieser) Campbell.
Jerry was a 1978 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, where he played saxophone in the band and enjoyed singing in the choir. Following high school, he attended Mount Union College. He worked for a number of years at an injection molding company in East Canton and also was employed by the Bolivar Spirits and Stuff Drive Thru.
Jerry’s biggest passions in life were his Jack Russell Terriers, Cookie, Coco and Benny. He also was a huge fan of the Home Shopping Network and a member of the Bolivar Army Navy Club and the National Rifle Association.
Jerry is survived by his step-father, Charles G. Campbell of New Philadelphia; his siblings, Thomas Barker of New Cumberland, Robert (Kelly) Barker of New Philadelphia, Michael Barker of Bolivar and Sally Campbell of New Philadelphia; step-siblings, Frank (Debbie) Campbell of Dover, Monika (Charles) Flaherty of Dallas, Texas and Peter (Bonnie) Campbell of New Philadelphia; a cousin, Sharon (Mike) Korns of Dover; and numerous nieces and nephews.
On his worst days during his battle, Jerry’s day was brightened by a special young lady, Harper, whom he affectionately called his cancer angel.
The family will greet guests one hour prior to services from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15 in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover, where Deacon Lynn Houze will lead a service celebrating Jerry’s life at 3 p.m.
Instead of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Jerry’s name be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or to Operation Warm & Cozy Inc., 3706 ½ Seibert Hill Road SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.
Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Jerry by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.GeibCares.com.