Douglas Lee Barker Sr.

Douglas Lee Barker Sr. ObituaryDouglas Lee Barker, Sr., age 84, of Whiteford, MD, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Born in Aldino, MD, on October 28, 1940, he was the son of the late Walter G. and Vesta (Pugh) Barker. He was the devoted husband of 53 years to Rita Faye (Ritchie) Barker; the two were married on February 20, 1972, and shared a lifetime filled with love.
Douglas was a proud 1959 graduate of Havre de Grace High School, where he excelled in the machine shop. His early training led to a long and rewarding career as a machinist with Diversified Machining, Inc. of Forest Hill, MD, where he worked until his retirement in 2000.
He was a dedicated member of the Deer Creek Basketry Guild, skillfully crafting many of the wooden parts used in the group's baskets. Douglas had a special talent for creating beautiful Nantucket baskets, each one a reflection of his patience and craftsmanship.
A true outdoorsman, Douglas loved spending time on the Susquehanna River. He enjoyed fishing for herring, crappie, rockfish, and catfish, and found great joy in gardening and woodworking.
Above all, Douglas was a family man. He loved nothing more than spending time with those he cherished most and especially treasured moments shared with his grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy.
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his children, Walter Douglas Rudd and his wife, Lorraine, and Wanda Jo Hollis and her husband, Carl; his daughter-in-law, Tina Marie Barker; his former daughter-in-law Brooke Lynn Green; his grandchildren, Coleen E. Stanek, Brandon Douglas Rudd, Ayla C. Hollis, Wesley Reed Barker, Darian McCown, Amberlee Paige Barker, Douglas Patrick Barker, Stephanie Brown, Hunter Green, and Sydnie Brown; and his 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Vesta Aldrich, Thelma Piercy, Edward Paul Barker, and Virginia Ann Dempsey. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Belinda Rudd; his son, Douglas Lee Barker, Jr.; and his sister, Iona Brady.
A celebration of Douglas' life will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Bryansville United Methodist Church, 2325 Bryansville Road, Delta, PA, with Pastor Bernard Kefer officiating. Interment will follow in the adjoining church cemetery. There will be a viewing at the church on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
The family is being assisted by the Wagner-Elfner and Harkins Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 600 Main Street, Delta, PA 17314. Condolences may be shared at www.harkinsfuneralhome.com.
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Douglas Lee Barker, Sr., age 84, of Whiteford, MD, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Born in Aldino, MD, on October 28, 1940, he was the son of the late Walter G. and Vesta (Pugh) Barker. He was the devoted husband of 53 years to Rita Faye (Ritchie) Barker; the two were married on February 20, 1972, and shared a lifetime