Jackie Lee Barker, 87, of Charleston, left his earthly body for his heavenly home on Monday, March 6, 2023.

He was born on May 30, 1935, eldest living child of the late James Truman Barker and Goldie Kinder Barker.

He was raised in rural Boone County. Jack graduated from Sherman High School in 1953 where he met the love of his life, Mary Lou. In October 1956, they would exchange vows during a small gathering in Danville, surrounded by a few close friends. Jack and Mary Lou were seldom apart for more than a couple days and were together at his passing.

In November of 1954, Jack enlisted in the USAF honorable serving his country honorably four years in Texas and Louisiana. He would later begin his career with C&P Telephone Company where in 1996 he would retire after more than 25 years of service, having held positions in both West Virginia and Virginia.

Until 2015 most of his retirement years were spent in dedication to his church, caring for his ailing parents and widowed friends, participating in short term mission work both domestically and abroad, and traveling to visit family far and wide. Almost as much as serving Jesus Christ himself, Jack received the greatest joy helping others and spoiling his grandchildren and great grandchildren. With his quick wit and easy smile, he seldom met a stranger and forged lasting friendships along the way.

Jack was an avid reader and student of the scriptures after having accepted Christ into his heart on September 9, 1968. He was baptized a few months later and his life would never be the same from that moment on. For the better part of the last 60 years, Jack made it his life's goal to display the love of Jesus to everyone he could, whenever he could. He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. Let it be said of Jackie Lee Barker:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith,. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day . 2 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, James Barker and Donald Barker; and his sister, Frances Chapman.

Jack is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Lou Bowling Barker of Charleston; daughter, Diana Haid of Dunbar; sons, Jackie Barker Jr., (Michelle) of Little River, SC, Gerald Barker (Kathy) of Katy, TX; brother Darrell Barker (Alice, deceased) of Avon, IN; and sister, Carolyn Sandidge (Joe, deceased) of Suffolk, VA.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, March 10, at Dunbar First Baptist Church, Dunbar, with Pastor David Keeney officiating. Burial will follow in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar.

Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at Dunbar First Baptist Church, Dunbar.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.