Tom Barker

Thomas H. Barker, III was born on November 22, 1962, in Huntington, West Virginia to Nancy and Thomas H. Barker, Jr.  Tom was raised in Newport, Ohio along with his younger brother Timothy “Tim” Barker. Growing up, Tom was active in boy scouts and would attend the Boy Scouts National Jamboree. Tom was active in baseball, basketball, and football. He played as a starting quarterback. He graduated from Frontier High School in 1982 and moved to Washington state in the summer of 1983 to attend college. Tom had three children, Thomas H. Barker, IV “Tommy”, Meghan, and Samantha. Tom loved being a dad and his kids were his pride and joy. He was incredibly smart and would earn a degree in human resources and eventually would complete a master’s degree. Tom worked for BBSI as a human resources manager. Tom was excellent at his job and his co workers describe him as thoughtful and patient.  Tom met the love of his life, Andrea Robinson through mutual friends at a poker party. They were married on October 28, 2016, and recently celebrated their five year anniversary. They had recently started a home staging business and made a great team. Andrea would stage the homes and Tom would take care of the business aspects. They enjoyed day rides on Tom’s Harley Davidson Motorcycle, spending time with each other’s children and grandchildren, and traveling. Tom was a devoted Ohio State fan, he loved sports so much that he would referee basketball and football games in the Portland area for many years. He was also an exceptional poker player who competed at the World Series twice. Tom had an exceptionally good humor, and loved giving people a hard time. Most of all Tom loved spending time with his family. Tom’s grandchildren were the highlight of his life and he loved being a Papa to all eleven of them.  On November 13, 2021, at age 58, hearts were broken when Tom passed away in Salem, Oregon. He is survived by his wife, Andrea Barker; children, Tommy, Meghan and Samantha; step children, Melissa, Joshua, Jacob, April and Anthony; parents, Tom and Becky; grandchildren, Millie, Griffin, Leni, Ellie, Emmalyn, Molly, Jackson, Charlotte, Elijah, Charlie Grace, Jameson; brother, Tim Barker. He was preceded in death by his mother Nancy.