Philip A. Barker, 97, of Holland departed this life on May 2, 2023, surrounded by family in full confidence in the love that God bestows on His trusting and believing children. For our, Lord promises that when He is revealed, they shall be made like Him when they see Him as He is.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Philip Charles and Virginia Abbott Barker, his loving wife Dorothy Mare Barker (54 years) and his loving wife Thelma (Trudy) Tuinstra Barker (nearly 10 years), his brother John W. Barker, son-in-law Ronald Louis Grego and grandson Ronald L. Grego, Jr.
He is survived by his sister Kathleen (David) Glasgow, widowed sister-in-law Jean Brown Barker, his daughters Janet (Robert) Grande, widowed Christine Grego, Connie (Steve) Giere, and Ellen Smith (Douglas) Wickens, and by 10 grandchildren plus spouses, 24 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and by very special neighbors at Appletree Condominiums and Appledorn South Assisted Living in Holland.
Steps along Phil’s way included Webster Groves (MO) High School, Davidson (NC) College, U.S. Fifth Air Force (Philippines, Ie Shima, Japan), Washington University in St. Louis (MO), Honeywell Industrial Division (4+ years), Nalco Chemical Company (31 years), post-retirement consultant (12 years), Holland Rescue Mission Men’s Division mentor and weekly chapel services (24 years) concurrent with service (5 years) with the Middle East Reformed Fellowship in Lokichoggio, Kenya. An added privilege for Phil in recent years has been a monthly chapel service for his contemporaries at the Vista Springs Holland Meadows hospice and assisted living facility.
A funeral service will be at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th Street in Holland, Rev. Kenneth Klett will officiate. Visitation with the family prior to the service will begin at 11:00 AM. A graveside committal will follow at Pilgrim Home Cemetery, and Rev. Kenneth J. Anema will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be given to Gateway Mission or the Middle East Reformed Mission. To leave condolences online, please visit www.langelandsterenberg.com.
Philip A. Barker
By Patty Vandenberg
May 4, 2023 | 10:40 AM

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