Obituary published on Legacy.com by Glencoe-Hokes Bluff Funeral Home and Cemetery on Jan. 14, 2026.
Stephen Winnfield Barker, as of July 5th, 2025, is now at peace.
Stephen, affectionately known as Steve by his friends and family, was born on July 1, 1944, in
Deport, Texas. He grew up in Longview, Texas, and later pursued his education at Texas A&M University, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After college, he moved to Akron, Ohio, to work for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. However, he soon realized that Ohio winters weren't his style. So, he decided to relocate south and secured a position in
Gadsden, Alabama, where he moved in 1966. He remained in the Gadsden area for the rest of his life, eventually retiring from his role as Production Manager in 2003. In his free time, Stephen enjoyed various activities, including photography, gardening, listening to country music, antique shopping, and traveling, with a particular fondness for returning to his beloved Texas. He was also a member of Hokes Bluff United Methodist Church, where he served on the PPR Committee, volunteered in the Fill My Cup Ministry, delivering meals to those in need, and taught lessons in the Agnes Lowery & Berea Sunday School class.
Steve is survived by his wife of 52 years, Anne Johnston Barker; his daughter, Jessica Barker Parris, along with his son-in-law Jamie; grandchildren Sumner, Grayson, and Meade; his son, Jason Reed Barker, and his daughter-in-law Guro; his brother, William David Barker, along with his wife Debbie and daughter Lisa; his brother-in-law Ben Johnston (and Betty Davis); and his sister-in-law, Susan Cotton. His extended family includes Ben Cotton (and wife Nicole), Lyndsey Yocum (and husband Kyle), great-nieces Piper and Palmer Cotton, Kailyn Aulsbrook, and great-nephews Grant Aulsbrook and Reid Yocum.
The family is incredibly grateful for the unwavering love and prayers from family and friends that have been their source of strength during the past few challenging years. They are also deeply appreciative of the professional care and peace of mind provided by Scott Godfrey, Kristie Graham, Stephanie Watson, the late Marilyn Ugolini, Nancy Lipscomb, and the dedicated staff at Piedmont Healthcare and Gentiva Hospice in Anniston.
Family request no flowers, donations can be made to the Hokes Bluff 1st Methodist Church.
Visitation will be held at Glencoe-Hokes Bluff Funeral Home and Cemetery on Thursday, July 17th, at 2:00 p.m. This will be followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m.
Honorary pallbearers include Greg Morris, Lenn Hill, Scott Wilson, Terry Snow, Don Stewart, Paul Quinn, Troy Wagnon, and Ken Wilson.
Online condolences may be left to the family at: ghbfuneralhome.com.
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