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BORN
1987
DIED
2022
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Gary Barker Obituary
July 30, 1987 - July 16, 2022
Merced, California - Gary "Bubba" Barker, Jr., a beloved Son, Brother, and Father passed away tragically on July 16, 2022, just two weeks shy of his 35th Birthday. Bubba was born and raised in Merced, California.
He was loved by so many and will forever be remembered for his infectious smile, funny sense of humor and larger than life heart.
He is survived by his children, Erick, Makayla and Azalea Barker; his mother, Lisa Barker; his brother Christopher (Stacy) Bethke and their children; his sister Melissa (James) Stockton and her children; his grandfather Tom Bethke and many more beloved Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Gary Barker, Sr.; his grandmothers, Linda Fowler and Barbara Silveira and grandfather, Elmer Barker.
A celebration of life will be held on his birthday, July 30, 2022, starting at 4:00pm, at the Veteran's Cove located at Lake Yosemite in Merced, CA., for anyone interested in paying their last respects.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Barker
Terri
August 20, 2022
I know we all wish we could go back to where Bubba began in our lives and start all over again..He is that great and he was great because he had an awesome brother who showed him the way...The way of being a hero to your kids, of making friends into family and the laughter, Chris and Bubba enjoyed people..Bubba hit the "Brother" lottery because he had Chris... he was loved, he had a best friend and they created a bond together that even death cannot break. Bubba was a hero to his children, soon Eric will look out the window longing for his hero and I know Chris will be there. And the girls they will know their father through their Uncle Chris Chris, you are not alone, Bubba is everywhere, you know him, he will show up in the raindrops, the sky, dreams, smiling and watching over you, and his kids until you see each other again. Why he began this journey to heaven so young? Knowing that he was a great father whose family was too young to lose him, will always baffle me. But knowing you are his brother and Stacy is your wife and the love you share, Bubba will never die. love never dies. Bubba's heart and his bright light I will miss....until I see him again
Lisa as a parent I pray for you daily, that kid loved you soooooooooooooo much!!!!!! You raised that great man and his brother. You did an awesome job,,,, My heart is shattered, but, knowing you all as a family. that is a blessing. You raised two great men. There is no glue for a broken heart, no fixes, but, a mother's love for her son never dies Call us, talk to us, anytime day or middle of the night, May God personally guard your heart in this time of sorrow...T.C.
Carie St Jean
July 30, 2022
Bubba I always have thought of you as such a nice young man. You will be missed by me and so many others. You and Christopher made quite the team. The two of you were always up to something and made me laugh and be concerned at the same time. Rest in peace sweetheart. Love, Aunt Carie
Carrie Barker
July 28, 2022
My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to you all and your families.
D.Thomas
July 27, 2022
I remember Gary Jr. when he was probably a little over a year old. Knew Sr. from back in the day. (80's) I was away from the area some time. So sad to have heard of such a tragic event. Re-connected with Gary Jr. just recently in a class we had taken together, it was amazing how I knew who he was the first day in class a spitting image of his dad. (R.I.P.) Enjoyed sharing that short time. My heart felt condolences to the entire family during this sudden tragedy .. May the good Lord give you strength and peace. R.I.P. Gary, you will be missed !
Brenda and carlos
July 23, 2022
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Fly with the Angels Gary....... Warm hugs for your Mom and family left behind......
Alisha Mosby and Fam
July 23, 2022
I met Bubba and Chris when I was 19 and my brother Justin was 12. Over the many years, we shared good times, and bad, like when my son passed away. Bubba was the first to draw me a picture and write me a card. He and his family sat behind me at my son´s service and made sure I was ok. From that point on, we celebrated many different thistle, such as my kids bdays, our bdays, my kids all looked to him as an uncle and both he and Chris had such a huge part in helping raise them up. We always had a joke between Bubba and I, he´d always say, "When I turn 18, I´m going to marry you!" Every time I´d see him, I´d say, "Hey Bubba, I´m still waiting!" Pointing at my ring finger. Then we´d just laugh. I´ll never forget his laughter and the love my brother, my children and I have for him. Many thoughts of love, prayers, and respect to Chris, his mom Lisa, Stacey, his children and all his loved ones. See you again one day bro, give my boy AJ a hug from his mama and I know your up there with your daddy know. Continue to shine your light on us as you did down here. God bless you all and my prayers are with you
Lp
July 23, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Brian Alexander
July 23, 2022
Bubba I was blessed to have such good friends friends always treated me like I was family. You will always be remembered as one of my closes friend I send my condolences and respect to your family Rest Easy Brother
Melissa
July 23, 2022
I'll always Love you Bubba Never Forgotten my dear friend your kids will always remember how great of a father you were
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