Carlton Gene Barker

Carlton Barker I , age 81. of Whitehouse, Ohio, passed away Saturday morning, April 1, 2023, at Defiance Inpatient Hospice, with his beloved wife and family at his bedside. He was born February 12, 1942 in Holland, Ohio. Carl was a 1960 graduate of Holland High School, and enlisted in the United States Army until he was honorably discharged in 1967. On June 2, 1965, Carl married the love of his life, Sharon Kay Heidman.

Carl worked for the John's Manville Corporation for 42 years until his retirement. He loved camping, hunting, fishing, grilling out, dancing and roller skating at the Swanton Coliseum, which is how he met his wife, Sharon. For most of his life, he enjoyed competing or watching his children compete. He and Sharon were very active volunteering their time at several local food banks, being known as "the bread people", as they were always bringing bread from Pepperidge Farms warehouse to distribute. Most of all he liked spending time with his wife, whose side he never left. He also loved spending time with his children, Carl and Jodie, their spouses, and all of his grandchildren who affectionately called him "Papa". Papa will always be remembered for being the life of the party because of his wonderful sense of humor and great storytelling.

Carl will be missed by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Sharon; son, Carl (Michelle) Barker II; daughter, Jodie (Eddie) Warlitner; grandchildren, Susan Barker (Austin Borton), Jimmy (Autumn) Barker, Courtney Barker (Rob Behnfeldt), Carl Barker (Autumn Ehrsam), Riki Cutcher, Kameron Warlitner, Isabelle Warlitner and Kalianna Warlitner; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Aiden, Avery, Emma and Lilly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lowell R. Barker; brother, Lary Barker; and sister, Shari Butz.

Services for Carl will be private.