Jerry D Barker

Jerry D. Barker, 91, of Topeka, Kansas, died on October 20, 2026, in Topeka, passing peacefully at home with his loving wife at his side.

Born on July 20, 1935, Jerry built a life marked by loyalty, humor, curiosity, and a style all his own. While growing up, he spent time working with his father in the family sports shop, an experience that connected him closely to his roots. He ended up attending the Teacher's College in Emporia, Kansas, where he met his wife. The first time he went out with her, she had been mad at him and he didn't recognise her because it was Halloween and she was in costume. She insisted he accompany her and her friends to the midnight movie "Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things". She spent the night covering her eyes while he enjoyed watching her.

Jerry served his country in the United States Navy in the 1950s as the Disbursement Clerk aboard the USS Higbee off the coast of San Diego. Everyone knew to stay on his good side, since the disbursement clerk was the one who handled the money. There was an irony he would likely have appreciated in serving on the first ship named after a female Navy nurse, because Jerry was known as someone who would have been considered a supporter of women long before that was common language, influenced in part by his mother’s later decision to return to school and become a nurse. During his Navy years, he developed a love of travel that stayed with him throughout his life, even if he waited until his 60s to embrace cruising. His favorite holiday was Veterans Day.

His working years included a career with Ford Motor Company in Quality Control at the Clay Como Factory in Kansas City North. He brought the same steady commitment to work that he brought to the rest of his life.

On May 17, 1981, Jerry married Susan Carlson in Topeka. Early in their marriage, they lived with Susan’s paternal grandmother for a short time to care for her. They later made their home at Raintree Apartments, where they spent the last forty years together. Their marriage was enriched by shared adventures, especially travel. Jerry and Susan especially enjoyed cruises, most often with Royal Caribbean, and among the ports that stood out in memory were Cape Canaveral and Port Miami.

Jerry will also be remembered for the distinctive pleasures and habits that made him unmistakably himself. He had a good/quirky sense of humor that allowed him to fit right in with his wife and her family. He collected cowboy boots during his life and early marriage, and he later became such an enthusiastic collector of all things Nike that he earned the nickname “Nike.” He hated walking, yet faithfully walked almost every day anyway, valuing the health benefits and the chance to get outside. That mix of reluctance, discipline, and wit was very much Jerry.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Barker; his sons, Jeff Barker and John Barker; his granddaughter, Jamie Barker; and his sister, Susan Burch. He is also survived by his niece and nephews, Heather, Ian, and Riordan Burch. Those who knew Jerry will remember the warmth he shared with family, the humor he brought to everyday life, and the many ways he made his presence felt in the lives around him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Barker; his mother, Mabel Barker; his brother-in-law, Philip Burch; and his brother-in-law, Joel Satterfield. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Marvin and Ruth Carlson, whose family became part of the life and laughter he cherished.

Jerry Barker will be remembered with affection for his service, his devotion to family, his enjoyment of travel, and the quirky spirit that made him so memorable. His life was one of steady commitments, enduring relationships, and a personality that left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Per Jerry's wishes, there will be no services. If you wish, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.