Thomas Charles Barker

THOMAS CHARLES BARKER 90, of Keene, passed away early Saturday morning, November 12, 2011, in the comfort of his home after a sudden illness. He was born in Stamford, CT on August 30, 1921, the son of Charles L. and Florence M. (Maher) Barker. He attended Stamford Schools, graduating from Stamford High School in 1939. Mr. Barker served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Radar Instructor in Naval Training Centers in Virginia Beach, VA, Brooklyn, NY and Boston, MA. After an Honorable Discharge, Mr. Barker was employed by Pitney Bowes for 42 years as the Manager of Meter Services. He married Harriet E. Smith on August 31, 1940 in the High Ridge Methodist Church in Stamford, CT. He was active within Stamford Community Services. These included memberships within the City of Stamford's Tax Review Board, Zoning Board and The Personnel Commission. He also served as President of the Stamford Industrial Management Club, on the Board of Directors at the Stamford Historical Society, as Co-Chairman of the Industrial Division of the Stamford United Way campaign, President of the Pitney Bowes Oval Club, as well as being active in a number of church boards and committees. Mr. Barker moved to West Chesterfield, NH in 1986 and volunteered for over ten years at the County Nursing Home in Westmoreland where he served as the first President of the Nursing Home Auxiliary and chaired their successful Bus Fund drive. He was a member of the Women's Crisis Center Board of Directors and Past Chairman of the Monadnock Volunteer Center Advisory Board. Because of these and many other volunteer activities, Mr. Barker was the recipient of the Joseph D. Vaughan Award presented by then Governor John H. Sununu, in 1988. Survivors include his loving wife of 71 years, Harriet E. Barker of Keene, eight children: David Barker and his wife Pam of Marietta, GA, Judy Georg and her husband Peter of Niantic, CT, Walter Barker and his wife Mady of Darien, CT, Beverly Narkiewicz and her husband Larry of St. Louis, MO, Tom Barker and his wife Darla of Fruita, CO, Nancy Arruzza and her husband Dave of Ansonia, CT, Bob Barker and his wife Marie of Stamford, CT, and Doug Barker and his wife Gerry of Stamford, CT as well as 18 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother Bill Barker. There will be no calling hours. Services for Mr. Barker will be private. Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Barker's name to The Castle Center, 312 Marlboro Street, Keene, NH 03431 Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com) 33 Marlboro St, Keene, NH 03431 is in charge of the arrangements.