John Barker

John David Barker was born December 18, 1965 in Kenedy TX, to Robert E. Barker Jr & Carol Jean

Chappell Barker the 6th of 8 children. John died on Dec. 5, 2025 at the age of 59. When he was born his

parents allowed his older brothers and sister the honor of naming him. He spent his early childhood in

Kenedy and Runge Texas, before his family relocated to Manistee Michigan when John was 12. He

moved back to Texas after spending a few years in Virginia, and it was in Tyler Texas that he met and

married his wife Kathy on Sept. 15, 1995, with whom he enjoyed 11 years of marriage before her

passing in 2006. He started going blind in 2012 and eventually lost his sight completely. After the death

of his older brother Stephen with whom he was living, he moved in with his nephew Matt and niece

Jessica and spent the remainder of his life in Roanoke, TX, where he enjoyed being surrounded by

family.

John was a man of God with faith in his salvation. He was passionate about his faith, was a prayer

warrior, and helped to support the Bread and Fish Ministries, a ministry started by Matt to feed and

clothe the homeless of Fort Worth, then extended to providing snacks and clothing to kids at various

elementary schools in the area.

John, never having any children of his own, had a deep and abiding love for his nephews and nieces. He

made it a point to try to get to know them on a personal level and wanted to be a part of their lives. He

often said that living with Matt & Jessica’s kids gave him the opportunity to experience what being a

grandfather was like and loved every second of it. John was a voracious reader and after going

completely blind audio books were a lifeline of sorts. He had a vast love of music and would often send

songs to family with a note of how he loved this tune or was into this artist. He was devoted to TX

Longhorn Football, and the Dallas Cowboys. Although he also followed the Rangers and Stars nothing

topped Longhorn Football.

John’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was devoted to his wife until the day he died. John had a

tremendous capacity for love, and his family was the lucky recipients of this outpouring. He was

softhearted and kind.

He was preceded in death by his wife Kathy Lee Barger Barker, father Robert E. Barker, mother Jean

Barker, brother Robert (Bob) Barker, brother Stephen Barker, and brother Phillip Barker.

He is survived by his brother William R. Barker & wife Dawn of Riesel TX, brother James A. Barker & wife

Heather of Manistee, MI, sister Susan K. Lakos & husband William of Lansing, MI, sister Catherine F.

Allen of Southaven, MS, aunt Janis Gilley of Katy, TX, and sister-in-law Shirley Barker of Manistee MI. 19

nephews and nieces - Robert (Rob) Barker, Christy Graham, Jeffery Barker, Matthew Barker, Robert (Bo)

Barker, Alicia Schwitzer, Amanda Reznickcheck, Christin Barck, Samuel Allen, Rex Barker, Elizibeth Gunn,

Benjamin Barker, Andrew Lakos, Timothy Allen, Jacob Barker, Cassie Brittain, Isaac Barker, Caitlyn Allen,

Nathanael Barker, and 35 great nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for February 7, 2026 at Sand Springs Baptist Church, Athen, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in John's name to Bread and Fish Ministries which was

very important to John. Donations can be made by either contacting Matt via Facebook group "Bread

and Fish Ministries" or you can send a monetary donation via PayPal to Stephen Barker

@breadandfish47