Charles Edward Barker
August 21, 1932 - November 13, 2013
Obituary
Charles E. Barker, known for his humor, soft heart and complete loyalty and love for his family, died Nov. 13, 2013, in Seattle. He was 81.
He was a longtime resident of Spokane until moving to Seattle in 1997, and was born Aug. 21, 1932, in Pasco to John and Anna Barker. He graduated from Pasco High School in 1950 and attended Eastern Washington University to play football. He left school to join the Army, serving in the Korean War and earning a Bronze Star for valor in combat. He attended Gonzaga University after returning from the war.
In 1952 he married Jean Whitemarsh, the love of his life. They had known each other since grade school in Pasco. She survives at their home in Seattle.
In the first years of their marriage, they lived in Spokane, Pasco and Walla Walla, returning to Spokane in 1965. Mr. Barker worked mostly in sales, although he and Jean owned the Pub Tavern in Spokane during the 1970s and later sold real estate as a team in both Spokane and Seattle.
He had a nature and quick wit that endeared him to everyone he met and few were his equal when it came to telling a story. He was proud of his Irish heritage on both sides.
He loved to read and was always in the middle of a book. Book recommendations from grandchildren carried extra weight. And he loved sports, rooting hardest for the Cougars, Mariners, Seahawks and Gonzaga Bulldogs. He had been an outstanding athlete as a young man and was an outstanding baseball umpire in his 30s, while the family lived in Walla Walla.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Doug (Kathy) of Aberdeen, Cam (Teresa) of Keller, Tex., and Jeff of Seattle; grandchildren Sean, Quinn, Megan, Alyssa, Claire, Ryan and Kylie; and great grandchildren Patrick and Milo.
His brothers Mike, Paul and John and his sister Genevieve died before him.
Memorial services are planned Jan. 10 at Tahoma National Cemetery near Covington, and at 11 a.m., Jan. 11, at Fauntleroy Church in Seattle.
So many memories of both of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
I first met Chuck in Walla Walla where he and my Dad worked for Payless Drug. Chuck was a great guy, so funny and so kind. My parents, Chuck and Jean were friends during their years in Walla Walla and Spokane. I remember many fun times with them. My sincere sympathy to Jean and their family.
Jill Spencer Bell
Another good Irishman leaves us to carry on.It was an honor to have known him. Sincerely, MIke and Susan Sullivan
So glad to hear the news that Chuck and Jean continued to have a full life. I like my sister Jill Bell knew Chuck and Jean through my parents in Walla Walla. I babysat their boys considering them like little brothers. We always loved when Chuck and Jean and their family were around because they brought humor and Jean especially sophistication to our lives. Remembering you with love, Jan
So sorry to hear that Charley has died. I always knew him as Red Dog. He was a great guy. I have lots of found memories of him, mostly from high school. I always was appreciative of hie f riendlyness and admired his confidence. My thoughts are with Jean and family
Jean, Kylie and all the Family,
My heart goes out to each one of you, in your loss of such a good man, husband, dad, grandad, and great-granddad. Absolutely love Charlie and Jean, without a doubt! You both brought smiles and uplift for me each time I saw you. Thank you for all the “ripples in the pond” of real loving extended to all those who know you and knew Charlie.
He will be there at his celebration of life, there is no doubt, and he will be hearing you all as you share amongst one another.
Love,
Nancy
To the whole Barker family. I am so very sorry to hearing about Chucks passing. There are a lot of great memories and times on the house on Rosewood. I drive by it off and on and usually have to pull over to quit laughing.he was a great guy. Wish I could attend the service but a busy time over here, but will be thinking of you. Thoughts and Prayers are with you during this time. Ron Brooks
I have come to wish you “Fair Winds and a Following Sea” Uncle Charles, may you rest in peace as your job is done here on earth.
Auntie Jean, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Doug, Cam, and Jeff; may the good Lord give you peace and comfort.
Who doesn’t have great memories of Uncle Charles… our family gatherings were always more interesting when he was present. We always looked forward to his families visits. I will be forever grateful to the Barkers for opening their home to me when I did my student teaching in Spokane. That was a special time and the dinners that came home from the Pub were a real treat. Even our last visit with Charlie as he lay in bed was a blessing to us. His love of family and great since of humor were still very strong. God Bless the memory Uncle Charles and God Bless Auntie Jean, Doug, Cameron, Jeff and your entire family…
Uncle Charlie was so nice to be around. His easy personality and quick whit were made visiting him extra special. I really enjoyed visiting Uncle Charlie and Auntie Jean when Grandma De lived with them. Visits were special and memorable despite Grandma De’s health. This was due to Uncle Charlie ‘ s wonderful personality and charm and Auntie Jan’s sweet sweet heart.
No one knows better than we what a fine man Charlie was. We knew him as a loving and caring brother-in-law,
with that endless humor and wit. Everyday we can recall a
memory of him that causes us to smile, or laugh out loud.
Many may not know how much he did for young people.
Jean and Charlie’s home was always open. The elderly loved him too. My Mother, Grandma Walker, said, “If I ever get the blues, send for Charles.”
What a gift he had, and we are so thankful he was a big part of our family.
Sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. We often talk about you both and how much fun we use to have—–especially when we use your recipes. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love from us.
Uncle Charlie ,,, I do think you know how much I will miss your quick wit and that dry sense of humor ! Every once in a while please make something happen in my life ,,,that makes me laugh out loud ,so that I will know you are looking down on us from Heaven ! I will always remember you taking Doug and I out to Hayden Lake and dropping us off to fish all day and picking us up just before dark ! My wife Lou felt so comfortable around you the first time she met you ! You always had that way of making people feel comfortable ! Keep watching over Auntie Jean,Doug and Kathy,Cam and Teressa,Jeff and all those Grandkids buddy and we will all look forward to seeing again some day in Heaven ! Love ya! Dave and Lou
Have often thought of Charlie over the years, hard guy to forget as you all know. Thanks Charlie and Jeanie for all the good times. Especially for inviting me over for New Years Day 4o years ago when I needed the company. Also appreciate the job at ” The Pub ” during college. I will I never forget. Thanks again……..
We were saddened to read of Charlie’s death.,We have find memories of our neighbors on Lincoln Court in Spokane and then many evening in the summer sharing a cocktail. Charlie’s sense of humor was unmatched and we still laugh over Peachs date night with Rhon! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
so very sorry to here of Charles passing. Have thought of him every year on our shared birthday, and of course will continue to do so. So many memories from school years and so many shared laughs. My deepest Sympathy to you Jeanne,
No matter how long in between visits conversations were never awkward with Uncle Charles. Somehow he always made you feel comfortable. Never tough to pull together a family picnic when Aunt Jean & Uncle Charles or any of their family were in town for that matter. Although I have heard many…I’m sure there are many more fantastic stories that I look forward to hearing about this great man. We will miss you Uncle Charles!