Duane Barker's Obituary
Duane Barker, 89, of Zephyrhills, FL passed away at home Oct 3rd, 2025. He was born in Freeport, IL on June 9th, 1936, to Verdie & Grace Barker, both passing away before Duane was in school. He was raised by his grandparents Pearl & Charles Barker and lived all his life in the Freeport, Pecatonica & Shirland area until retiring to Florida.
After serving in the Navy, he spent several years on the race car circuit before he found his career with Amerock, Newell/Rubbermaid Corp. for 35 years. His responsibilities included OSHA, EPA, and various HR roles and operated and managed employee assistance programs within Amerock factories nationwide. He was a member of several professional organizations: ASIS, ASSE, NFPA, to name a few. Duane was a member of the Masons in Freeport (for 45+ years) and was part of the Tebala Shriners where he drove ‘magic carpets’ in local parades.
His love was music. He founded and performed with a youth choir alongside his children, which eventually led to him directing several larger choruses (both men’s and ladies), including Harmony Singing Society (Norwegian Singing Assoc.), Svea Soner Singing Society (Swedish), Tebala Shrine Chanters. He was the Minister of Music at East Chelsea Baptist Church in FL until his passing.
He loved trap shooting, golf, and bicycle racing, placing twice in the Senior Olympic in FL.
Duane was not known to be timid, but he got things done! It was a friendly ribbing but one that spoke to his dogged determination and the nick name Bull Dog. He fulfilled his promise to God that he would dedicate his life to serving others and he did. He will be missed.
Survivors include his wife Carol J. Barker of FL, stepchildren Amber Robertson (Glenn Edwards), Terri Robertson (Matt Miller), Andrew Robertson (Olivia Johnson); grandchildren Penelope Edwards and Ruby Robertson,
Daughter Charlotte (James) Reynolds, TN, son-in-law Ken Krup, IL; grandchildren Nathan and Kaitlin Reynolds, Karissa Krup; great-grandchildren Archer (Archie) and Emery Reynolds; sister-in-law Carol A. Barker; and many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his parents and grandparents, former wife Martha Barker, daughter Denise Krup, and brother Charles Barker.
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 15, 2025, 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at East Chelsea Baptist Church in the FLC, 7225 East Chelsea St, Tampa, FL. An additional Celebration of Life will be held in Rockford, IL at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to East Chelsea Baptist Church ROOF FUND.
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