Jerome D. Barker

Jerome "Jerry" D. Barker, 68, passed away Christmas morning, 2022. Jerry was born in Chanute, KS. He attended St. Patrick's Catholic School and graduated from Chanute High School in 1972. He moved to Topeka in 1974 to attend Washburn University and pursue his passion.

Jerry married Kandis Greene on July 8, 1978. They raised and cherish two daughters, Elise Barker (Chris Elston), Pocatello, ID; and Regina Barker (Jon Herl), Lawrence, KS. Jerry was a proud Grampy of Sammy (Samuel) and Naomi Barker-Elston.

Jerry adored his sisters: Deborah (Peter) Derendinger, Merriam; Deidre (Robert) Oliver, Lawrence; Jo Deanne (Duane) Swenson, Overbrook; Jennifer (Daniel) Horine, Wichita; and Janae Barker, Eudora, all in Kansas.

He is reunited in the afterlife with his mother, Virginia Jerome Barker and baby brother Jeffery, a stillborn daughter Erica, his beloved nephew Kent Jeffers and brother-in-law Robert Oliver. He also has joined his "folks" Doris and Dusty Greene. His father preceded him in death.

Jerry considered his in-laws, Kelly (Steve) Neske and Russell Greene, as well as his friends, Scott Reichert and Jeanette and Brad Broome to be his siblings. He is loved and will be missed by a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, in-laws, and dear friends who he acknowledged enriched his life beyond measure.

Businessman and printer, Jerry joined the Copy Center of Topeka as the manager in 1978. After 14 years, he opened his own plant, Barker Printing Company (1992) and enjoyed 26 years of business at 925 Kansas Ave.

Jerry felt deep gratitude to KU Med and Cancer Center, Dr. Anwaar Saeed and Lori Barbosa for their wisdom and compassionate care. He was thankful for the guidance, comfort, and mercy the people of Midland Care Hospice provided him. His family thanks all the people who made Jerry's life, his illness, and his passing filled with grace.

Jerry was a member of St. David's Episcopal Church. He gave to his community and "paid it forward," by contributing to many local causes as an anonymous donor. (Matthew 6:1-4)

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please donate to any project or charity you support.

We will join for a Celebration of Jerry's Life in March 2023. If you would like to be notified of the date, time, and location, please submit your information on this form Click Here (Google doc.) and the family will contact you.

If you are missing him in the meantime, put on your tie-dye, blow some bubbles, and smile. He would love that.

Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements.

To leave the family a special message, please select the Share Memories option listed above.