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Eugene Barker Obituary

BARKER, EUGENE "SKIP," 77, passed away Friday, August 15, 2008 in Tampa, FL, after a courageous battle against leukemia. Born and raised in Columbus, OH, he attended North High School and The Ohio State University. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. In Louisville, Skip served as president of Hurstbourne Country Club and was the chairman of many successful Foster Brooks Pro Celebrity Golf Tournaments benefitting Kosair Shrine. He was employed by Connecticut General Life Insurance Co. and American General Life Insurance Company prior to organizing Fairway Marketing Group in Tampa where he was a pioneer in the sale of electronic transaction processing. Skip enjoyed travel, sports (especially golf and baseball), and he also had an avid interest in genealogy and Civil War history. He was a deacon and an active member of Idlewild Baptist Church. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Cheryl Barker; two sons, Robert (Marilyn), of Tampa, and William (Sherry) of Louisville; six grandchildren, Erin, Matthew and Nicholas of Tampa, and Sarah, Hayley and Will of Louisville; as well as many friends A visitation will be held on Tuesday, from 6-9 p.m. at Blount & Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa. A Celebration of Life service will be held on 10 a.m. Wednesday at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18371 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Lutz, FL, 33548, with pastors Ken Whitten and John Zeller officiating. Interment will follow at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park in Tampa. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Idlewild Baptist Church Live the Vision Fund in Skip's memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Courier-Journal on Aug. 19, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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David Drenan

September 1, 2008

Cheryl, Just learned of Skip's passing from Dick & Nancy Barnes. Skip was a wonderful team mate and friend. Though we saw each other infrequently it was a joy to be around him on those occasions.
Our most sincere condolences.
Dave & Nancy

Kristina Klein

August 22, 2008

I am saddened to hear about Skip's passing. He had hired me several years ago in the 90's at Fairway Marketing Group, I've always appreciated the opportunity he had given me to learn the credit card business and I never forgot that. He was such a sweet man and my thoughts and prayers are with the Barker family at this difficult time. God Bless!

Bonnie Hargrett

August 21, 2008

Skip was a joy to know and interact with through the years. Though we were friendly competitors in the electronic transaction business for many years, we respected each other's work ethic & appreciated getting together at conventions, etc. Skip will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him!

Don and Jeanne (Grady) Davis

August 20, 2008

Condolences from Skip's catcher at North High.

Jack Davidson

August 19, 2008

I knew Skip many years ago when he worked for Harley-Davidson Sporting Goods in Columbus Ohio. My father, Paul Davidson, said Skip was one of the best organized employees he ever had. My condolences to the family.

Alice Barton (Emmons)

August 18, 2008

My thoughts are with you at this time, Cheryl. Skip was one in a million? Remember Pomerene Hall! I wish you strength throughout the coming days!!

Diane Jones (nee Smith)

August 18, 2008

I graduated with "Skip" from North High School, class of '48. He was a great guy, lots of fun, and a good athlete. I enjoyed seeing him at the last reunion in 2003 and was looking forward to seeing him again in Oct.
at out 60th. He will be greatly missed. I live only 25 miles from Tampa.

Jeff Sproat

August 18, 2008

Skip was an honorable businessman and a great friend to many. I consider it a privilege to have known him. My prayers are with Cheryl and the entire family.

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