Kenneth L. Barker

Kenneth L. Barker, 68, of Sharon, passed away with his wife and family at his side early Saturday morning, January 25, 2025, at his home under hospice care. Mr. Barker was born July 28, 1956, in Sharon, a son of James E. Barker, Jr. and Norma Jean (Tylowski) Barker, and was a 1974 graduate of Hickory High School, Hermitage. Ken was the plant manager at Cronimet Specialty Metals in Transfer, PA, where he has been employed for over 40 years. Ken was a member of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Sharon, where he was an altar boy in his youth, sang in the choir, and served as church president later in life. He had a lifelong passion for singing, especially Rock N' Roll, and enjoyed riding his motorcycle and attending classic car shows during the summer months. Above all else, Ken was a dedicated husband whose greatest joy in life was being a "Poppy" to his beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His wife of 39 years, Cynthia "Cindy" (Foy) Barker, whom he married on June 11, 1986, survives at their home in Sharon. Ken is also survived by three daughters, Tasha Nichols (Josh) and Cortney Kishton (James), all of Sharon, and Karyn Sheets (fiancé, Robert Jones), Warren, OH; his mother, Norma Jean Barker, Hermitage; two sisters, Barbara J. Mogor, Hermitage, and Fay L. Ulasz (Dave), Hermitage; two brothers, Jeffrey A. Barker (Leslie), Hermitage, and Randall L. Barker (Luann), of Georgia; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Ken was preceded in death by his father, James E. Barker, Jr.; his mother-in-law, Karen Foy, and a sister-in-law, Jahna Sheets. The family would like to thank Amedysis Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness. Calling hours will be 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday (1-28-25) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Parastas will immediately follow at 6 p.m. led by Father Steve Repa. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday (1-29-25) in St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 375 Clark Street, Sharon, with Father Steve Repa, officiating. Interment: St. John Ukrainian section of Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.