Service Details
Homegoing Services will be celebrated in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 11:00 am. Entombment, with military honors, will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Viewing will be in the funeral home on Saturday, July 23rd, from 10 – 11 am.
Racine – Bernell L. Barker, age 88, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 2, 2022 with family by his side.
Bernell was born in Myrtle, Mississippi on September 5,1933 to the late James H and Phoebe Barker. He faithfully served our country with the US Army for 6 years. Bernell was Senior Vice-President and owner & operator of General Converters & Assemblers until he retired in 2013.
On April 26, 1956 he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Era “Louise” (nee: Brownlee).
With profound faith, Bernell was a longtime member of Midtown Church of Christ since 1962. He was a faithful servant of the Lord and remained active in the Church until his health failed him. Even though his health was failing, he kept the faith and remained prayerful. He was a lover of jazz music and an accomplished pianist, playing in a band in his younger days. Bernell was an avid classic car collector. He collected both real cars and model cars. He also had a niche for antiques and shopping for antique bargains. With his green thumb he kept house plants healthy and beautiful and his yard impeccable. He was also brilliantly mechanical inclined and extremely organized. Bernell was a humble and successful entrepreneur and able to obtain success without formal higher level education. Bernell was soft-spoken with a great sense of humor. He was a private individual and, as many of you know, it was like pulling teeth to get any information out of him.
Surviving are his beautiful wife of 66 years, Louise; sons, David (Clara) Martin and Anthony Waldrop; brother, James (Barbara) Barker; brothers-in-law, Joe Brownlee, Lonnie (Marie) Brownlee and Willie Ed (Eddie Mae) Brownlee; sisters-in-law, Lennora and Florence Barker; and a host of special nieces, nephews and other relatives.
In addition to his parents, Bernell was preceded in death by his brothers, Iodeious (Cubell) Barker, Louis Barker, Q.C. Barker and Robert (Katherine) Barker; sisters, Almertha (Floyd) Harris and Iodell (Reginald) Liggons; and special sisters-in-law, Mattie (Eddie) Golden and Hattie Brownlee.
Homegoing Services will be celebrated in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 11:00 am. Entombment, with military honors, will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Viewing will be in the funeral home on Saturday, July 23rd, from 10 – 11 am.
Anonymous says
My prayers go out to the barker family for your lost
Karen Claybrook in Tennessee says
Rest on Mr. Bernell Barker … GCA times .. he was such an nice person.. My condolences to his family
James & Angela Bush / Nashville TN says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will certainly be missed.
Carolyn B Peet says
Condolences to the family, gone but never forgotten 🌹 We love 💕 you Bro. Barker get your rest, continued prayers for the family.
Bridgetprice Altamonte springs Flordia says
My hearts goes out to this family in time of need
Joyce Johnson says
Rest well Bernell. You were a pillar of our Midtown congregation and example to all of a strong Christian man. My deepest condolences to Louise and the family.
Faye Willis says
To the Barker family. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. Uncle James, I know this is hard for you, being the last brother of the family of nice gentlemen. May the lord bless you! Faye Willis.
John H Wright Jr. says
My sympathy prayers and condolences to the family. Rest well Bro. Barker
Ronnie Fisher Jr says
To the family we send our sympathy and condolences. It is my prayer that God comforts you all in a way that only he can comfort God bless you and may He keep us all.
Wanda Jordan-Barnett says
Mr. Barker was a remarkably humble, soft-spoken, yet strong man who always encouraged others to be their best. Our lives have been forever changed for the better by knowing him and his presence will be greatly missed. He will never be forgotten.
Calvin P. says
REAL MAN. REAL BROTHER. WILL DEFINITELY BE MIISSED BY ME . AND BY MANY OTHERS AS WELL.
REAST IN PEACE MR . BARKER. THIS MAN CHANGED MY LIFE FOR THE BETTER NOT EVEN KNOWING IT. A REAL GOOD MAN. AND GOD KNOWS THIS. REST IN REAL PEACE BROTHER BERNELL BARKER. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THE ENTIRE BARKER FAMILY. AMEN.
Letha R. Chattman says
Deepest sympathy and prayers for Mr. Barkers family! He was such a wonderful man, and also awesome was a patient mine!!
GeorgAnn Stinson-Dockery says
My deepest sympathy. Praying for the family. RIP🙏🏾❤️❤️
GeorgAnn and Milton Dockery
Maggie Cobb says
My condolence to the family Mr Barker
was a man of great wisdom an knowledge which he loved to share PrYing for the family
Ramona Drane says
My condolences to the Barker Family
Reona ball says
Sorry for loss
Tamika Esho says
My most heartfelt condolences to the Barker family and all who loved him. May he rest in peace
Tonya Nagra says
My condolences to the Barker family Mr Barker was a strong man in or community who provide us with knowledge that all goals can be meet. Prayers
Demetrius Powell says
Sorry about your loss my condolences to the family
Stanley & Shewanna Johnson says
May God provide peace and comfort during this time for the family and all who loved him.
Former GCA worker says
What a kind man who provided jobs in the 80s/90s to those in Racine
Anita Morris says
Will be missed.
William Greer, Jr. says
Rest in heavenly peace, Brother Barker. You were. a quiet pillar of strength and faith in our Midtown congregation. My condolences to Louise and the family.
Glorious Goldsmith says
Bernell was indeed a gentleman. He was very soft spoken with a kind smile to accompany his gentle qualities. Respectfully,
Sharon Johnson-Visor and family says
Our deepest condolences to the Barker/Brownlee family. May all of your wonderful and loving memories strengthen you all during this time. Bro. Barker was a pillar of strength, kindness and remarkable role model both in church and in our community. RIP, gone but never forgotten.
Nichole Montgomery says
My condolences and prayers.. I met Mr. B while working at GCA when I was 18yrs old. Mr. B was such a kind and soft spoken gentleman, just a good hearted person around.
RIH Mr. B🙏🏾🙏🏾💔
Therita Bogan says
So so sorry for your loss I got to know Barnell when I worked at GCA He was a very nice man.
Sharon Shelton Williams says
Condolences to the family.Stay strong.
Joyce Shelton-Smith says
So sorry for your loss. Praying for family.
Lennora Barker says
Sorry to hear of the loss of my Brother-in-law ! Will never forget how much time he spent with Louis ( my husband) before is passed. Praying for Louise and family !!
Twyla Clark says
My deepest condolences 💐 and prayers to the family of Bro. Barker. Take your rest. ❤️