Albert “Al” Barker, age 82 of Rensselaer, passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at Franciscan St. Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point. He was born in Fair Oaks on September 6, 1929, son of the late Owen W. Barker and Flota (Myers) Barker. He attended school in Parr and was a lifelong resident of northwest Indiana. Al served his country as a medic in the U.S. Army for three years.

On June 20, 1989 in Lake Station he married Dora T. (Green) Barker and she survives. Al worked in various factories and as a material handler in the tube mill at U.S. Steel in Gary for twenty years, retiring in 1983. He was a member of Victorious Life Assembly of God Church in Remington. Al loved his Church family and he loved the Lord. He enjoyed playing Solitaire and working puzzles.

Al is survived by his loving wife Dora; two sons, David Barker (wife: Gloria) of northeastern Indiana and Kevin Barker (wife: Melissa) of Hobart; three daughters, Kathy Strayn and Dianna Barker, both of Apache Junction, AZ, and Nancy Atwood of Holland, MI; three step-daughters, Patsy Sartin of Rensselaer, Nancy Atchley of Gary, and Robin Ciokoulski (husband: Timothy) of Atlanta, GA; and one step-son, Andy Patton of Lafayette. Seven grandchildren also survive.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and six sisters.

Cremation was chosen as per Al’s wishes. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the family.

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