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Kenneth Barker Obituary
MIKE
August 22, 1953 - January 4, 2022
Mike passed away January 4, 2022 peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer. He was born to Kenneth and Maxine Barker on August 22, 1953 at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Corona, CA. and was raised in Bakersfield, CA attending North High School.
Mike loved his children and grandchildren tremendously. There was nothing he could not master putting his mind to it, from arm wrestling, distinguished marksman, the Highland games while being a great storyteller. While earning the nickname Mad Dog as a derrick hand, he became a welder by trade. He coached shot and disc at North and Garces High. He found great joy in teaching art to children in the migrant education program for the Art Council of Kern. Mike was a truly inspiring artist from high school, who developed his own unique technique and painted through to the end. His charismatic charm shined and his pug never left his side. He can never be replaced. We miss him dearly, but trust he is no longer in pain while fishing his hearts content.
Mike is survived by his spouse KaryAnn, his children Sabrinia Graniere (Jody Schlobohm), Rachel Benckert (Eric), Sarah Rodriguez (Fabian), Mike Barker, Brianna Barker, Courtney Barker; grandchildren Helena and Brooklyn (Sabrinia), Dylan, Cole and Madi (Rachel), Caden, Noah and Luke (Sarah), Parker Martinho, Gabriel, Jacob and Paul (Brianna), Aden (Courtney); siblings Denise Krikorian (Jeff), Roger Barker (Kim), along with many nieces and nephews including Bob.
Mike was predeceased in death by his parents Maxine and Kenneth Barker, and nephew Kevin O'Malley Jr.
There will be a rosary, 5pm Tuesday, January 11th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Mass of Christian Burial, 10am Wednesday, January 12th also at O.L.P.H., the burial following at 12:30pm January 12th at Greenlawn Northeast, River Blvd. Bakersfield CA., Kern River Family Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, you may honor Mike's memory by donating to www.thepugqueen.org or the Art Council of Kern.
Much love to all from his wife KaryAnn and his entire Barker family.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Barker
Sponsored by Kern River Family Mortuary.
3 Entries
Mark and Tina Herrera & Family
January 12, 2022
During one of the many Road Dawgs gig, ol Mike loved talking to my daughters. He bought them goodies, and with his soft voice made my daughters feel loved and special. My daughters made some Get Well cards for Mike and from what i was told he kept them close to him and that they made him smile. Thats the mike i will miss. We loved him and he loved us. Rest in peace. -MH
Darrell Wagoner
January 11, 2022
Mike lived a couple of houses down from me on Redwood Drive in Oildale. We were good buddies. Our family eventually moved to Bakersfield, but we remained good friends. I eventually moved from Bakersfield but I'd look him up when I was in town. Last time I saw him he was making custom built fishing rods. As mentioned, he was a talented and creative guy.
Sorry to heard about my grade school friend passing away.
Symphonies to his family.
Peter DeArmond
January 11, 2022
My best fishing buddy, my fellow artist, my wonderful friend, may you rest In peace.
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Memorial Events
for Kenneth Barker
Jan
11
Rosary
5:00 p.m.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
CA
Jan
12
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
CA
Jan
12
Burial
12:30 p.m.
Greenlawn Northeast
River Blvd., Bakersfield, CA
Funeral services provided by:
Kern River Family Mortuary1900 N. Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308
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