John "Jack" Barker

October 2, 1933 - May 16, 2012

“Metal Artist” John “Jack” Barker Age 78, of Essex, IL passed away, Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, IL. Born October 2, 1933 in Essex, IL to the late George and Josephine (nee Cima) Barker. For several years he owned and operated Essex Motors in Essex. He was also formerly employed as a guard for Burn’s Security and as a machinist at Lang Manufacturing in Crest Hill, IL. He was known for his many creations of metal artwork and most recently owned Metal Art by Jack in Essex. Veteran of the United States Army. Member of the St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church and Lions, both in Essex, the Moose and Antique Car Club, both in Bradley. Jack had a love for art, music, and most of all, for people. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Eleanor (nee Emling) Barker of Essex, whom he married June 12, 1955 in Goodrich, IL; two daughters, Judy (Don) Sharper and Debbie (Phil) Bradley, both of Essex; two sons, John “Jack” (Mayda) Barker, Jr., of Miami, FL and Darren (Karen) Barker of Kankakee, IL; twelve grandchildren, Nathan (Sally) Sharper, Alissa (John) Claassen, LeAnn (Adam) James, Rachel (Jason) Grace, Christine (Pat) Harmet, Tara (Andy) Davies, Meghan (Steve) Hogan, Jacob Schmidt, Sean, Alexandra, Kristian, and Anna Barker; seventeen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death is one brother, George Barker. Funeral services will be from the R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd., Braidwood Chapel, Monday, May 21, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. to the St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church in Essex for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. Visitation Sunday, May 20 from 3-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name to the Essex Lions or the St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church would be appreciated.