Michael Dean “Bubba” Barker, 78, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 5:25 P.M. Thursday March 13, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born July 6, 1946, in Danville, IL, the son of Arthur and LaVonne (Wells) Barker. He married Julie Page on November 4, 2017, in Gatlinburg, TN. She survives in Hoopeston.
He is also survived by one daughter, Becky (Chris) Small of Hoopeston; one son, Justin (Laura) Barker of Greenbrier, TN; three stepsons, Derek Page, Darin Coon, and Drew (Emily) Hall all of Hoopeston; one sister-in-law, Lynn Barker of Potomac, IL; six grandchildren, Payton and Ryker Small, and Willa, P.J., Scarlett, and Honor Barker; one niece, Jenny (Jason) Judy; and one nephew Tony (Brandi) Barker.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Dave Barker.
Michael served in the United States Navy from April 1966 to February 1970. He worked at Silgan Containers in Hoopeston until his retirement in 2005. He was a member of the North Vermilion Fishing Club and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching his grandkids’ ballgames.
A visitation will be held 3:00 – 6:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and begin at 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home with Pastor Micah Mobley officiating. Following the service, cremation rites will be accorded.
Memorials may be made in Michael’s memory to the Kankakee Community College Baseball Program, Attn: Athletics, 100 College Dr. Kankakee, IL 60901.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Michael’s eternal tribute page and to send condolences to the family.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.
