John "Johnny" Barker

John “Johnny” Barker

John “Johnny” Barker went to be with his Heavenly Father on April 17, 2018.

John lived a great life always striving to help the community and people around him. He was a member of Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, was a member of the Army Reserves for 15 years, retired from WCHS-TV as an engineer after 46 years, and organized one of the first associations for the mentally handicapped - advocating for specific care and programs.

John graduated from Charleston High School in the Class of 1948. Special Olympics was one of his happiest passions. Johnny’s second home was Laidley Field, where he became known
“The Voice” of Laidley Field for over 60 years and also a member of the Kanawha County Track and Field Officials Association.

He loved encouraging young athletes to do their best and shaking their hands or giving a pat on their back whether finishing first or last.  His greatest joy in life was his family and spending time with them.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years Bonnie; his daughter; Cathy (Barker) Hudson and her husband Dennis; daughters; Linda and Penney Barker son; Kent Barker and his wife Kim; grandchildren; Derek Hudson, Brandi Hudson Hicks, Jonathan Barker and Brittany Barker; and great
grandchildren; Khloe, Alexis and Lincoln Hicks; sister-in-laws Cecil Propst Jenkins of Bridgeport, WV and Eugenia Stewart of Clarksburg, WV, and lots of loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Although Johnny will be missed by all who knew him his family takes comfort in knowing he had a full life filled with the love of family and friends, and a faith that prepared him to know that
the day would come when he would enter his heavenly home.

Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, April 21 at Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church, 317 Washington St., West, Charleston, WV 25302 .
Family will receive friends from 1 until 3 PM. A Reception to follow after the service.

In Lieu of flowers please consider to donate to the Go Fund Me campaign for John’s handicap daughter Linda at: https://www.gofundme.com/care-for-linda-barker

Online condolences may be left at elkfuneralhome.com

Elk Funeral Home, Charleston is honored to serve the Barker Family.