Laurence L. Barker

Laurence Lionel Barker, 92, of Joseph Avenue passed away Thursday at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Springfield on January 22, 1930 to the late Robina (Waters) and Herbert Barker. He lived in West Springfield before settling in Westfield years ago. Laurence worked at the former Strathmore Paper Company for over 35 years. He was a U.S. Marine during the Korean War. He enjoyed traveling with his late wife Polly, and everyone he loved. When he wasn’t spending time with his family, you could find him golfing, reading a good book in the sunshine, woodworking in his workshop, helping others with any tasks they had around their house, or sitting on his front porch or the back deck sharing a good conversation with good company. Larry was a gentleman’s gentleman and everyone’s father, grandfather (popo) and sweetheart. He loved his red wine and a good cup of coffee. He was the man that everyone loved and the patriarch of his family. Laurence was the beloved husband of the late Pauline (Scarfo) Barker who passed away in 2001, loving father of Nancy O’Neill and her husband Sean of Westfield and Laurence Barker and his wife Debra of Conway, SC, devoted grandfather of Sarah Och and her husband Nick, Lauren Barker, Hillary Dupont and her fiancé Rob Martineau, and Joseph Hook and his wife Chelsea, cherished great grandfather of Tyler Dupont, Audrianna Dupont, Brayden Martineau, and Tucker Hook, and caring brother to his three late siblings; Beverly Heffron, Pearl Rhodes, and Sonny Barker. He also leaves several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. We promise to always raise our glass in your honor, Salute! There will be a Funeral Home Service Thursday Dec. 1st at 11 am at the TOOMEY-O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield. Calling hours will precede the Service from 9 – 11 am. Burial will be at Hillcrest Park Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers donations in Laurence’s name may be made to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540.