Obituary for Donald William Barker

Donald William Barker, age 76, of Climax, MI formerly of Portland, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 after a five month battle with pancreatitis. He was born March 1, 1947 in Lansing the son of Ralph and Dorothy (May) Barker. Don was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and served in the U.S. Army. He retired from T.R.W. after 37 years of service, was a lifetime member of the Oak Hill Gun Club and a member of the American Legion Post in Climax. Don enjoyed the outdoors, was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed trap shooting. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Joseph Barker; sister, Rosemary Shinaver; father and mother in-law, Charles and Ruby Wilson and a brother-in-law, Gerald Wilson. Surviving are his wife of nearly 52 years, Betty; daughter Jennifer (Ryan) VanSolkema; grandsons, Ryder, Cody and Garrett VanSolkema; brother, Charles Barker; brother-in-law, James Shinaver; several nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service will be conducted by Rev. Fr. Mike Alber at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Lehman funeral Home, 210- E. Bridge St., Portland. Rite of Committal will follow at East Sebewa Cemetery. Military Graveside Honors will be provided by the V.F.W. Post #4090. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m., until the time of the service on Thursday. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.