Gilbert J. Barker
Gilbert J. Barker, Sr., age 76 of Ice Plant Road in DuBois, PA, formerly of Palmyra died Saturday, January 24, 2009 at his residence.
Born on March 26, 1932 in Philadelphia he was the son of the late Gilbert J. & Jennie (Ursenbach) Barker. He was the husband of Joan L. (Miller) Barker who preceded him in death on June 12, 2003.
He was a 1950 graduate of the Milton S. Hershey School, a veteran of the United States Marine Corp., where he served as Sergeant in combat during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge from the U.S. Marines, he was an air traffic controller with American Airline in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. He then enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police where he served as a trooper for 27 years in Troop C & Troop L.
After his retirement, he was the owner/operator of Ice House Hill Farms in DuBois with his sons. He served with the Pennsylvania State Police Rodeo detail. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Marine Corps Association, the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association and the Fr. Patrick Healy Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Surviving are his sons Gilbert J. Barker, Jr., of DuBois and Brett J. Barker of Mechanicsburg, a brother Walter F. Barker of Stuart, FL & 2 grandsons. His parents, wife, brother Robert W. Barker & sister Jane E. Christie precede him in death.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the Rothermel Funeral Home, Inc., 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra from 6:00-8:00 PM. The Committal service will be on Friday, January 30, 2009 at 11:00 at the Hershey Cemetery where full Honors will be accorded by the Pennsylvania State Police Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the DuBois Regional Medical Center Hospice 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois PA 15801. Rothermel Funeral Home, Inc. & Goble-Baronick Funeral Home, Inc., is entrusted with arrangements.