Curt Allen Barker

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Curt Allen Barker found peace on June 14, 2018. He was born October 4, 1956, the beloved son of Tom J. and Marilyn J. Thompson Barker. Graduating with the Richmond Senior High School Class of 1974, Curt then went on to become a proud Boilermaker and graduate of Purdue University in 1978, later receiving his MBA from the University of Dallas. Curt also taught as an adjunct professor at both Purdue and Baylor University. In 1982, Curt married Lori Lee Barrier. They had two children together, Matthew Remmington and Jenna Lee, who they raised in Duncanville, Texas. Curt loved the Southwest and discovered that he was a true Texan at heart. Curt was recognized and respected as a highly successful businessman and leading marketing expert in the field of building products. While starting with Abitibi Corporation, he spent the majority of his career with Elk Corporation in Dallas, Texas. During his years with Elk, Curt built many meaningful relationships, as well as lifelong friendships. He retired in 2012 from Owens Corning as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Curt traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally, both personally and professionally. Curt’s life motto was “Live your life like your hair is on fire,” and that he did. At his core, Curt was a thrill seeker and adventurer. He rode the wildest river rapids, fished in the remote wilderness, climbed the highest mountains, and jumped from planes. Curt was an avid cyclist and competed in long distance racing, including finishing the Wichita to Dallas “Hotter than Hell 100” with his son Matthew. He also was a long distance runner and held a black belt in karate. Curt was passionate about art and had a rare talent for combining his love of travel with his love of painting. He spent every spare moment expressing his creativity through painting in both oils and watercolors. Curt’s loved ones have homes that are adorned with his artwork, as he loved to share his passion with them. In 2015, Curt’s artwork was exhibited at the Reid Health Gallery and pieces were also accepted into the Richmond Art Museum’s 117th Annual Exhibit, where two watercolors received purchase awards. While living in Safety Harbor, Florida, Curt married his current wife, Angela Candy Christensen Barker in 2012. Curt is survived by his wife, Angela; parents, Tom and Marilyn Barker of Richmond; children, Matthew Barker of California and Jenna (Brandon) Wilson of Virginia; and adored grandchildren, Ezra and Peyton Wilson. He leaves behind two sisters, Robin (Tim) Hill of Lynn, Indiana, and Shelley (Joe) Miller of Richmond; nieces and nephews, Jeramiah Taylor of Richmond, Jessi Sweet of Centerville, Indiana, Jake Taylor-Hill of New Paris, Ohio, and Samantha Purcell and Kristofer Miller, both of Richmond; Angela’s son, Andrew Christensen of Florida; in-laws, Marilyn Barrier of Virginia, Bill (Carolyn) Barrier of North Carolina, and Pena Ciullo of Florida; and extended family, Scott (Helen) Barrier of Virginia and Diana (Bill) Tamayo of Florida. Curt was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Lori and father-in-law, Guy Ciullo. Memorial service for Curt Allen Barker will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 14, 2018, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 121 South 18th Street, Richmond with Rev. Robert C. Meckley officiating. Following the memorial service, Curt’s children, Matthew and Jenna, and the Barker family invite you to a gathering and celebration of Curt’s life in Shutte Hall. Curt will return to his childhood home of Richmond, where his remains will rest in Earlham Cemetery. In recognition of Curt’s love of painting, in lieu of flowers, we invite you to remember him with a gift to the Wayne County Foundation for the Barker Family Fund, 33 South 7th Street, Suite 1, Richmond, IN 47374. This permanent fund will serve as a lasting memorial and will create a stream of funding to support the art education programs at Richmond Art Museum. Please join us in celebrating Curt’s incredible life.

Curt Allen Barker

October 4, 1956 - June 14, 2018