Ronald Edward Barker 76 of Richmond died April 5, 2022, at his home surrounded by family after a long illness. he was born December 24, 1946, in Richmond to Clarence Avanell Jeffers Barker and lived here all his life. He retired from Richmond State Hospital after 21 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving from 1964 to 1967 as a fireman on the U.S.S. Simon Lake arming nuclear submarines during the Viet Nam War.
Ron spent many years restoring old Victorian homes, and repairing and refinishing antique furniture. He taught himself wood carving in order to replace missing pieces on antique furniture. He served as President of the Starr Neighborhood Association. He and his wife Kathy owned the Fielding Gaar Home opening it each year for the Starr Neighborhood Victorian Christmas Tour of Homes.
Survivors include his wife of 34 years Kathy Clark Barker, his two children Master Sergeant (retired USAF) Michael (JoEllen) Barker of Arizona, and Jennifer (Mike) Passante of Arizona, his two step-sons David Allen Hoelscher of Richmond and Marty Hoelscher of New Paris, Ohio, four grandchildren Matt Barker, Sam Barker, and Gabrielle Passante of Arizona and Alexandria Hoelscher of Fountain City, one brother Phil (Teri) Barker of Richmond, his sister Lisa Wettig of Richmond, many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, April 11, 2022, at Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home 222 North 10th Street Richmond with Chaplain Christopher Sudor officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Wayne County Veterans Honor Guard. Friends may call Sunday, April 10, 2022, from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Online Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at stegallberheideorr.com.