Gerald Glenn Barker, age 86, of Uhrichsville, died unexpectedly on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in his residence.

Born on February 27, 1940, in Sand Fork, West Virginia, he was a son of the late E. Sherwood and Madge Tomblin Barker.

He graduated from Dover High School in 1958 and began his career as an apprentice machinist at the Timken Company before relocating with his young family to Nashville, Tennessee. There, he earned a Bachelor of Theology from David Lipscomb College.

Following graduation from Bible college, Gerald ministered several churches before returning to his work as a machinist. Throughout his career, he shared his knowledge by teaching students at Tusky Valley High School and Jefferson County Joint Vocational School. He later worked for Shenango and provided machine work assistance to many small businesses throughout the Twin City area through his own shop, Blue Chip Machine in Uhrichsville, which he successfully operated for many years.

On June 27, 1959, Gerald married the love of his life, the former LaVonne Gribble. Together, the couple raised four children and shared 53 years of marriage before her passing on May 29, 2012.

In addition to his passion for the Lord and machining, Gerald deeply loved being with his family, gardening, and watching classic Western movies and television shows.

He will be missed by his children, Tracey (Jeff) Peterman of New Philadelphia, Tammie Taggart of Dennison, Kevin Barker of Uhrichsville, and Steven (Tricia) Barker of Dellroy; his grandchildren, Jason Peterman, Kelli (Chris) Callozzo, Branden (Brenda) White, Christopher (Crystal) White, Nathan (Becky) Barker, Derrick (Lindsey Yoder) Barker, Santana (Shane Boone) Barker, and Alexis Taggart; great-grandchildren, Payton, Violet, Christopher, Jr., James, Megan, Will, Ashton, Ellie, J.J., Cody, Breanna, Kaleb, and Kaiden; a sister, Connie (Ronnie) McDade of Dover; a brother, Dan (Sue) Barker of Arizona; a sister-in-law, Bonnie (Wes) Jordan of Marysville; a brother-in-law, Dan (Crystal) Gribble of Dover and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Gerald was preceded in death by siblings, Marie, Carl, Christina, Jack, and Peggy; a son-in-law, Russell Taggart; and a brother-in-law, Phillip Gribble.

In honoring Gerald’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or services. Gerald will be laid to rest with his beloved wife in Dover Burial Park during a private family service. The Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia is handling arrangements.