Bill Barker

“Living the dream.”

If you ever asked Bill Barker how he was doing, that’s what he’d tell you — with a grin, a chuckle, and maybe even a twinkle in his eye. And if you knew Bill, you knew he meant it. That simple phrase, said thousands of times, wasn’t just a go-to response. It was a reflection of how he lived: fully, joyfully, and with gratitude for the people and moments that made life meaningful.

William M. “Bill” Barker Jr. began living his eternal dream on Friday, July 11, 2025, after his sudden passing. He was 67.

Born June 1, 1958, in Bucyrus to the late William M. and Cora A. (Hildebrand) Barker, Bill was a 1976 graduate of Bucyrus High School. His work ethic showed up early — he began pumping gas at the Sohio Service Station and later worked at Bucyrus Blades before joining his dad in the family business, Barker Marketing Inc. Eventually, he took the reins and carried on the legacy, delivering fuel and friendship to his customers, rain or shine, day or night.

Bill eventually retired but he never really slowed down — not in spirit, anyway. He met Pamela Sue (Moore) at a football party in early 2003— an event that was probably just as much about camaraderie and laughter as it was about the game. After about 12 years of partnership, laughter, and shared adventures, they married on October 24, 2015, in a ceremony at Shelby High School that felt perfectly “them.” Pam survives, and she’s quick to say: with Bill, she truly was “living the dream.”

Family was everything to Bill. He was the kind of dad who showed up — not just with advice, but with presence. Whether it was coaching Little League or being the loudest cheerleader in the stands, Bill made sure his kids knew they were loved and supported. His quiet strength and steady support shaped the lives of those around him.

He had a lifelong bond with his father, and many of their best memories were made on fishing trips to Canada. He also cherished beach vacations, motorcycle road trips with Pam and friends, and lately, he’d become something of a golf cart celebrity around town — always stopping to say hello or swap stories.

Bill’s community involvement was as big as his personality. He was a proud member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and a regular at organizations like the Moose 669, Moose Riders, Elks 156, Sons of the Am Legion, AmVets, the Owl’s and Eagle’s lodges, and was also a former Mason. Whether it was playing cards, talking football (always the Buckeyes and the Browns), or raising a glass with friends, Bill brought warmth and humor to every room.

Though he wasn’t a veteran, Bill was deeply patriotic — he honored the flag, respected those who served, and lived with a quiet pride in his country.

He is dearly missed by his wife, Pam; his children, Todd Barker and Megan (Ryan) Rhoades; stepchildren, Jessica (James) Converse and Gram (Acadia Caryl) Dick; and his beloved grandchildren, Mia Barker, Ryan Barker, Cecilia Rhoades, Jaymie Converse, and Jace Converse. He also leaves behind his sisters, Jodi Barker and Jan (Dale) Pennington; mother-in-law, Janice Moore; sisters-in-law, Karen (James) Channing and Sharon (Jerry) Tackett; brothers-in-law, Doug (Kathy) Moore and John (Crystal) Moore; along with countless extended family members and close friends who felt like family.

He is now reunited with his parents, his stepson Chris Thompson, and his father-in-law, John Moore.

Calling hours will be held from 2 – 4:55 p.m. on Friday, July 18 at Wise Funeral Service, with a service to follow at 5:00 p.m., led by his friend and Pastor Don Neumann. A celebration of life will be hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary at the Bucyrus Amvets starting at 5:30 where friends are invited to gather, share stories, and enjoy a meal.

In the spirit of Bill’s generous heart, memorial contributions can be made to: Gift for Yanks. Donations will be accepted through the funeral home, and friends are encouraged to bring their memories — because remembering Bill means remembering to laugh, to love big, and to never take life too seriously. Because at the end of the day, Bill really was just “living the dream.” And he’d want the rest of us to do the same.