Gene A. Barker, of Campbell Hall, entered into rest on February 4, 2016 at Orange Regional Medical Center. He was 75 years old.
Born on January 22, 1941 in Goshen, NY, he was the son of the late Harold and Frances (Thompson) Barker.
He worked with the Department of Public Works for the Town of Warwick for over 30 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator and later as foreman, and was a member of the Civil Service Employees Association. A member of the Hudson Valley Model “A” Restorers Club, he was also a Range Officer at the Knights Sporting Goods in Goshen.
A family statement reads "Dad was a very hard worker always taking on a second job to provide for his family. He had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a great big teddy bear that loved to make you laugh!..You couldn't get a better dad and grandpa! He was a rare gem! We were so lucky to have him in our lives"
He is survived by his daughters: Michelle L. Dixon and her husband Steve of New Hampton and Tammy L. Artusa and her husband Peter of Warwick; three grandchildren: Tyler Artusa, Krystal Dixon and Kory Dixon; a brother, Harold Barker and his wife Sandy of Chesapeake, VA and brother-in-law, Bruce Gertzkis of Goshen; his companion, Joyce Foulkes; many nieces and nephews; and his dog, Gypsy. He is also survived by his best friend of 50+ years, Nicky Candito of AZ. Gene was formerly married to Kathy Barker of Warwick for 34 years and she was a loving wife and mother of his two daughters.
Memorial visitation will be on Friday, February 12th, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Ave., Warwick. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 13th at 10:00 am, followed by interment in St. Josephs Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be sent to American Diabetes Assocation, 333 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10001 or Schervier Pavilion, 22 Van Duzer Place, Warwick, NY 10990.