Clifford William Barker

HOULTON-Clifford William Barker, 84, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, July 6, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janet (McConnell) Barker; a son, Michael Barker and Amy Joy, and their children, Macey (Darren Newbegin), Lexie (Conor Dahill) and Joseph; four daughters, Kelly and Phil Mills, and her sons, Tristan Larson (McKaylee Michaud), and Isaac Larson; Amy McConnell and daughter, Brookline; Jody Barker and fiancé Kirk Cyr, and her children, Jordyn and fiancé, Megan Brewer, Madisyn (Tye Nichols) and Logan Merritt; Tracey and Andy Albert and their children, Arlo Desjardins, Garrison, Thatcher and Jovianna Albert. He is also survived by his greatest joys of all, his two great grandchildren, Krue Larson and Elsie Nichols. Cliff is also survived by his sister, Astrid Torjusrod and family and brother, Peter Shaw and family and three sisters in law.
Cliff graduated from Hodgdon High School. He served his country in the Army and enjoyed his tour in Germany. After returning home, he married Janet on April 15, 1967. They raised their family in Houlton. Cliff worked at JC Penney for many years before finding his niche in the insurance business. He was employed by Prudential Insurance Company of America for 30 years, a job that truly suited his personality.
Cliff was known for going to "work in his office", which was code for catching up on the local gossip. He could be found having coffee and enjoying a revolving group of friends at 7:00 a.m. or noon. He was known to strike up a conversation out of curiosity or for the pure joy of getting a laugh. Cliff never met a stranger.
One of Cliff's proudest achievements was being the longest serving board member for The County Federal Credit Union and a lifetime honoree. Cliff was constantly checking the stock market, the weather and the price of gas. Cliff was an official National Weather station precipitation monitor for Northern Maine. Cliff enjoyed gardening, reading and the Red Sox. In 1967, he began a family tradition of camping. His children and grandchildren continue these hobbies today.
He is predeceased by his parents, Everett and Mary (Page) Barker and nine of his siblings, Ellery, Wendell, Ernie, Barbara, Frederick, Sheldon, Lois Foss, Gary and Dale; His foster parents, Alfred and Grace Amacher and stepsister, Patricia and her husband, Bob Mallamas. Cliff is also predeceased by his father and mother-in-law, Elmer and Mary Geraldine McConnell, brother and sister-in-law, James and Kathleen McConnell, brother-in-law, Bill Clegg, and his son-in-law, Kevin Larson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Food Pantry, Bridge to Hope or The County Federal Credit Union scholarship fund in Clifford's name.
Friends may call 10:00am to 12noon at St. Mary's Catholic Church Houlton on Monday, July 14th With a Mass of Christian burial at 12 noon following. A luncheon will be immediately following, Interment will be at the St. Mary's Evergreen Cemetery. To share condolences and memories please visit www.bowers funeral.com