Obituary of Harry William Barker

Harry William Barker was born on January 17, 1936, in Monroe, Michigan to the union of William Barker and LaVega (Whitten) Barker. Harry was a 1954 graduate of Monroe High School. Following graduation Harry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served his country honorably and received the National Defense and Good Conduct Medals for his exemplary service. Upon his discharge from the service Harry began working for the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 8.  He supported his family as an Electrician retiring in 1992.

On January 10, 1959, Harry married the love of his life, the former Honorine Manard and together they would be blessed with three children. The couple were members of the Shawnie Archery Club, and their love of the sport was passed down to their children. For many years the family traveled to Tawas for bow hunting. He also enjoyed fishing, teaching his children how to catch Salmon from the stream behind his parents’s home.

The Barker family spent one great summer traveling throughout the Western United States; taking in sights like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and painted deserts. They often packed up their Apache trailer, with Honorine always the one in charge.  Once they set up camp, Harry headed back to work for the week before returning to the weekend festivities.

Harry had a close relationship with his siblings.  Many wonderful memories were made with them and nieces and nephews whether out camping or at the lake. Being a lifetime member of the Detroit Beach Boat Club, Harry always had a boat and was more than willing to tow the kids water skiing or tubing off the back and frequently met up with family on the water. Harry loved to metal detect the beaches of the state park in search of treasures and comb local fields for arrowheads and pottery to add to his collection. Harry was very proud of the garden he grew, and vegetables raised.  He grew his own grapes on the vine and cultivated a large strawberry patch. His homemade wine made from his own grapes was often relied upon to provide a warmup while ice fishing. A member of Bethany Eagles Nest Community Church, Harry also enjoyed volunteering his time at the St. Anne’s Parish food bank.

Harry William Barker, age 87, of Monroe passed away peacefully at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital after a lengthy illness on Tuesday; March 28, 2023. His passing was preceded by his parents: William and LaVega; his loving wife of fifty-five years: Honorine; a son: Kevin Barker; a sister: JoAnne Ringel; and a brother: Jack Barker.

To cherish his memory he leaves two children: Dawn (Kirk) Nolan and Mark (Juanita) Barker; five grandchildren: Holli (Jake) Crawford, Nick (Sally) Nolan, Amanda Barker, Josh (Katie) Barker, Melissa (Jeremy) McDonald; ten great grandchildren: Wesson and Garrett Crawford, Abigail, William and Caleb Nolan, William and Mason Barker, and Beau, Ellison, and Everly McDonald; one sister-in-law: Jan Barker; and one brother-in-law Roger Ringel.

Friends may gather from 10:00am until 12:00pm on Tuesday; April 4, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.  A Celebration of His Life will follow at 12:00pm also at Merkle’s with Nicholas Nolan officiating.  Procession will follow to St. Charles Cemetery in Newport, where graveside services will be under the auspices of Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials in Harry’s honor be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital; 32121 Woodward Avenue Suite 350, Royal Oak, MI 48073.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.