Ronald Barker

Ronald D Barker, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 25, 2019.
Ronald was born in Idaho, Ohio on June 25, 1939, to Ishmael and Anna (Russell) Barker. He attended Piketon and Waverly Schools until he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for 6 years. After leaving the Navy he married the love of his life Donna Lee Tussey on August 8, 1961. Ron and Donna raised four sons and three daughters together.
Ronald retired from WearEver/Newell in Chillicothe, Ohio where he was a factory worker. Upon retiring he pursued his passion of racing Standardbred racehorses with his family. Ron owned, trained and drove racehorses for many years, he passed the reins to his family, leaving the training and driving to his kids and grandkids. He still enjoyed owning several horses, going to the races, and always loved to go to the horse sales. He was well known for having a used auto parts business and loved wheeling and dealing in anything cars, which he passed on to his kids.
Anyone that knew him well, knew that he lived for his family in one aspect or another. His love and devotion to his wife was visible to anyone that looked their way, never afraid to show affection for her, they were the example of how a couple should love one another. He always loved to hear about the exploits and escapades of his children and grandchildren, wanting to know all of the gossip, whose team won, how busy they had been or how the horses raced. Ron always had a story for every occasion, that to an outsider would sound like an untruth, but he could always back them up. One could always count on him to tell them what he thought whether they wanted to hear it or not, never cutting anyone any slack. Always an early riser he spent most mornings calling and checking in with his kids, and as much as it irritated them at the time they will miss having him call at 5:00am to ask if they were "planning to sleep all day". Some of his favorite past times included watching Westerns and trashy talk shows, having heated debates with his youngest granddaughter Jai about anything and everything, and going to dinner with his wife and/or family. He will be deeply missed by his family.
Ronald is survived by his wife Donna, brother: Don Barker, sisters: Nancy Trent and Sunny Hutton, sons: Ronnie(Brenda) Barker, Shawn(Melissa) Barker, Tony(Kristi) Barker and Dustin(Jamie) Barker, daughters: Nina(Mike) Howard, Becky(Tony) Zubkoff and Angie(Justin Hall) Barker. Also surviving are grandkids: Emily Peterson, Shantell Poolaw, Jessie Williams, Crystal Fyffe, Missy Francis, Derrick Howard, Shawn "Two" Barker, Seth Flannery, Josh Flannery, Ali Porter, Leslie Barker, Karri Michael, Brittani Barker, Tyler Barker, Gabbi Depew, Lindsay Cutright, Austin Barker, Summer Zubkoff, Morgan Barker, Landon Barker, Justin "Bub" Hall and Jai Hall. Many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his favorite dog "Poopsie".
Ron was preceded in death by his parents Anna and Ishmael, stepfather Clayton Johnson, stepmother Sophie Barker, daughter Karyn Peterson, sister Nina Murray, brothers Tommy Barker and Johnny Barker.
Ronald's family would like to thank Adena Hospice for the care they provided and a special thanks to nurse Mercedes Schaeffer.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers all cards, condolences, and contributions can be sent to the Haller Funeral Home in Chillicothe, Ohio c/o Ronald David Barker Family.
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