Craig Michael Barker

Craig Michael “Mike” Barker, age 74, cherished son and brother, died on Thursday, May 7, 2026, surrounded by family. Mike was born on December 14, 1951, in Alliance, Ohio to Virgil Lee Barker and Pearl Viola (Linaburg). He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Alliance and graduated from Marlington High School, class of ’71.

Mike and his parents loved to camp locally at Whispering Pines or annually in Florida with family and friends. He also looked forward to warm weather outings such as fishing with his dad at Walborn and exploring Quail Hollow, Iron Horse, and Silver Park trails with his nurse and sisters. He even took a helicopter ride once.

Mike was a man of many talents, including painting. His teacher, local artist Dick Garra, would provide art lessons in the family home where some of his works are on display. Leather working and woodburning art were just a couple of his other artistic endeavors. He also loved to play Rummikub and Sequence at least once a week with family.

Reading and listening to a wide range of music helped him relax after many operations and endless procedures. But it was his faith and love from friends and family that gave him the strength to endure.

Mr. Barker is survived by two sisters, Lorra (Georg) Hambach of Lambertville, New Jersey and Candice (Russel) West of Shoreline, Washington; aunts, Nancy (Linaburg) Sylvester of Alliance and Eleanor (Barker) Zimmerman of Decatur, Georgia; as well as many devoted cousins and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; paternal grandparents, Arlie Lee Barker and Nancy (Collins) Cracium; aunts, Wilma “Faye” (Rudolf) Hollaway, Madge Delores (Carl) Weigel; uncles, Lloyd (Evelyn) Barker, Arlie Jr (Margaret) Barker, Stanely Barker, twins Leroy and Lenore; maternal grandparents, George Frederick Linaburg and Addie Pearl Farris; aunts, Rose (Linaburg) Caserta, Helen (Paul) Donohoe, Ida (Oscar) Villars, Emma (Joe)Thomas, Sue (Jack) Burgess; and uncle, James (Barbara) Linaburg; and brother-in-law, Joseph David (Lorra) Boyce.

The family would like to thank his long-time, devoted nurses, Donavan Ryan and Barbara Limeric, for their tireless efforts to keep Mike as safe, pain free, and happy as possible over many years. Appreciation also extends to the many professionals from Maxim Healthcare, Aultman Hospice and Aultman ACH for their support.

Calling hours (9:00 – 10:00 AM) and service (10:00 – 11:00 AM) will be held on May 16, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Alliance, 1659 W. State Street. The service will also be available livestream (fbcalliance.com).

Burial will immediately follow at Highland Memorial Park (264 S. 12th St., Beloit, Ohio).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his name to the First Baptist Church of Alliance or any nursing program of your choice.