Neal K. Barker

Neal Barker Obituary

Peacefully passed away at home on July 26, 2011. Neal was known by many and loved by many more. Born in St. Louis, MO on March 29, 1924. He moved to California as a child and served in the coast guard during World War II. Neal met Barbara Holbrook, they fell in love and were married nearly 63 years. They were blessed with five children, Bill (Carol), John (Cindy), Susan, Pat, and Mike; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They moved to Sonoma County in 1960 where they bought a chicken ranch on Walker Ave. He worked at Sonoma Developmental Center for 43 years and retired there. He also operated a commercial fishing boat and in 1990 the family built the Petaluma Queen riverboat which is now being operated by Bill in Long Beach. Neal loved fishing and traveling around in his RV. He was a big fan of the SF Giants and 49ers, but most of all he loved his family. Neal would do anything for anyone and would always have a kind word to share. He will be truly missed. Family and friends are invited to attend his memorial service on Sunday, July 31 at Eggen and Lance Chapel, 1540 Mendocino Ave. in Santa Rosa. There will be a viewing at 12:00 p.m. and a service at 1:00 p.m. Santa Rosa Mortuary Eggen & Lance Chapel, 545-3747.

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Published by Press Democrat from Jul. 29 to Jul. 31, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Neal Barker

8 Entries

Jim, Jessica, and Jenette. All our Love xo

Jenette Ventress

August 3, 2011

Thank you Uncle Neal for loving me and Jessica so much, and making me feel so happy to be part of you're special family. Jim told me of all the fun time's he had playing with all his cousins at your home and how he always felt so love. I will truly miss your smiling face, kind words and jokes! Love, Jenette, Jim & Jessica "Ventress"

July 31, 2011

Dear Barker Family: I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad we got to know him because he was always so positive and kind! May he rest in peace. Love Joey Oliva and Family

Tony & Linda Oliva

July 30, 2011

Barbara & Family: We are so sorry to hear of Neal's passing. We will keep him and your family in our prayers. I know that everyone is sad as we are, but then we start thinking of all the smiles and joy he brought with his presence.Maybe those memories would ease our sorrow and yours.

July 29, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I have fond memories of Barbara and Neal dancing with my parents in our living room.
Caroline Christophel Marker

Nancy Anderson

July 29, 2011

My prayers are with Neal's wife, Barbara, and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. So sorry for your loss. Neal was a very nice man. -Nancy Anderson (Sandra Oliva's mother) Benicia, CA

July 29, 2011

So very sorry to hear of your fathers passing, he was a very good man. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Gina Follansbee

keri and Jason

July 29, 2011

I am close friends with Neal's daughter Susan and one of her sons. We live within 2 minutes of each other and our children play together. I had the pleasure of meeting Neal on a handful of occasions ,and was most taken by his friendliness, hospitality and his incredibly huge smile!
I see that same smile in his daughter.
On a wet morning, I went out to my car to take my son to school-the battery was dead. At a loss for a quick fix , I decided to call Susan to see if she could come jump my car. She said no problem and I waited. To my surprise her dad Neal came in her place with a battery charger, I had heard of them but always used cables and a car... He was so sweet and thoughtful to come in her place,As he charged the car he was all smiles and light hearted chit-chat. I was not even late to my son's school it was all so quick! I thanked him profusely and went about my day.I thought to myself that is going on my list of needed items for sure!
A few days later His daughter and grandson stopped by for a surprise visit. Both Susan and her son had huge smiles on their faces as though they had a secret...Her son came from behind a small wall in the yard holding something big in his hands...It was a battery charger! Neal had gone and purchased me a battery charger! He told Susan he worried about me not having a charger, and that I might need assistance and not be able to find someone to help He didn't want me to be in any possible bad situations.
This was one of the most unexpected ,thoughtful things I have ever experienced.Even the few times we had met he felt the need to take care that I would be safe. He was so kind. I realize now that this is a part of himself that so many others knew and adored. He was a good man and had the gifts of compassion and empathy. It was a greater gift that he really gave me. kindness.Many times I have pulled up next to someone in a parking lot, along the road or wherever I see them 'stuck' with a dead battery and pulled out my gifted 'battery charger' and jumped another car. I delight in seeing the stressed out look dissipate from their face! I have always given a quick thank you to Neal for being able to provide that same feeling he gave to me!
' Our deeds are seeds of fate ,sown here on earth,but bringing fourth their harvest in eternity. -Boardman
Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones at this time of Great loss. The Heaven's rejoice at their Great gain. Home at last.
Thoughtfully, Keri and Jason

Phyllis (Frannie) Farmer

July 29, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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