Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Barker, William :Bill" C. July 19, 2026 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Patricia Currigan currigan1932@comcast.net August 23, 2026, 9:39 pm Hasting's Reminder - Saturday, July 25, 2026 WILLIAM C. BARKER, age 84, of Clarksville, MI, passed away peacefully at his home on July 19, 2026, with his wife at his side holding his hand after bettling Binswanger disease. William was born on April 14, 1942, in St.Johns, MI, the son of the late Geraldine and William Barker. He was raised in the Lake Odessa area and graduated from Lake Odessa High School in 1960m where he excelled in academics and athletics. He went on to attend Ferris Stare University and later Central Michigan University, where he studied education with the goal of becoming a teacher. During his college years, he was offered a position with General Motors as a skilled tradesman, a path that would define his career.He worked for General Motors for more than 30 years as a millwright, retiring at the age of 53. During his time there, he formed many lifelong friendships he deeply valued. In 1962, William Married the love of his life, Claudia (Jackson) Barker, at St.Edward's Catholic Church in Lake Odessa. In 1968, they purchased a home on the corner of Clarksville Road and Darby Road where they raised their family and have remained there ever since. Their life together was centered on family, hard work, and the simple joys of home, including Dad mowing the yard and Mom tending to the gardens. William was known for his strong work ethic and passion for his family. Family was everything, and he instilled that in his children and after retiring from GM, he continued working by driving the school bus for Lakewood Public Schools and later for Hartzler Tours. He took immense pride in driving Lakewood Athletic teams to their competitions and was always their biggest fan. Coaches would always request Bill Barker to be their driver because he cared so much about athletics, and he could always be seen pacing the sidelines. He also enjoyed taking tour groups on trips to destinations across the country, always appreciating the opportunity to meet and talk with anybody he met. Once you met Bill you were friends for life. He found great joy in spending time with his family, Some of his favorite memories included loading the kids into his 1966 Mustang and heading to the drive-in movies, eventually trading it in for a larger family car. He loved attending Charlton Park car shows, taking motorcycle trips to Tennessee with friends from GM, and riding his Harleys. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and had a passion for cars, including his 1978 white Cutlass and a Corvette Stingray. Bill also participated and thoroughly enjoyed working on his cars for the local demolition derbies where he won many hears. William was deeply involved in his children's lives, coaching little League baseball and youth football as they were growing up. He was a proud and devoted supporter of his children and, rarely missed a game or event. His enthusiasm and presence meant everything to his family. In addition to his love for family and work, William enjoyed sports and camaraderie. He played fast-pitch softball for GM and enjoyed bowling in leagues where he was known for his unique ball release that always drew attention and smiles. He is survived by his beloved wife, Claudia; his children, Kimberley (Mark) Doane, David (Tess) Barker, Bill (Shari) Barker; brother, Charles (Margaret) Barker; sisters, Emilene (Ken) Vogel and Mary (Mike) Richardson; sisters-in- law,Betty, Carol, and Dianne Barker; 11 grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren and two on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Geraldine Barker and brothers, Don, Fred & Tom. A visitation and time of celebration was held on Thursday, July 23, with rosary at Daniels Funeral Home in Hasting's, 1401 N.Broadway,Hasting's, MI, 49058. A funeral Mass be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St Edwards Catholic Church in Lake Odessa. A luncheon will follow mass at Sr.Ed's Family Center with interment following the luncheon at Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa. Additional Comments: Lakeside Cem. Odessa Twp. Ionia Co.,MI File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/b/barker49527nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 4.6 Kb