John Francis Barker, 78, of Burgaw passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 20th at the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center where he was undergoing chemotherapy for advanced Leukemia. The Gates of Heaven opened wide for this newest angel. John has been surrounded by family and friends throughout his two-year battle with cancer.

John was born September 16, 1936 in Columbus, Ohio, son of the late Raymond and Mary Virginia Barker. He was a long-time resident of Colorado, retired to Ellis, Kansas in 1999 and moved to Burgaw, NC in 2012.

John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sheila Lines Barker; daughters, Linda Stewart (Kevin), Vicky Wawrzyniak, Sandra Okoren (Gary) all of Denver, CO; brother, Jerry Barker (Ofilia) of Tampa, FL; sister, Jane Nusbaum (Bill) of Fort Collins, CO; special nephew, Les Barker (Judy) of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Travis Wawrzyniak, Denver, CO and Lindsay Evans (Brian), great-grandchildren Grayden and Gunner Evans , Joplin, MO; sister-in-law, Margaret Barker, Denver, CO, and a large extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers, Jack Barker and Jim Barker.

John, "The Master Mechanic," was involved in building race cars and race car engines, as well as a being a competitive driver for 45 years. He also enjoyed building hot rods and restoring old cars. He was the go-to guy for any mechanical problems. He was particularly generous with family and friends and delighted in fixing anything and everything.

His ready smile and welcoming conversation reflected his Christian values and extraordinary faith. He enjoyed serving his church in many areas throughout the years.

He was a member of the Sports Car Club of America since 1959, served as Board Member on many non-profit entities and was a member of Westview United Methodist Church in Burgaw.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 31st at 4:00 p.m. at the Westview United Methodist Church in Burgaw. A reception will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's name may be made to Westview United Methodist Church, C/O Mary Jane Lanier, 5094 NC Hwy 53 West, Burgaw, NC 28425 or your favorite charity.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Burgaw.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 31st at 4:00 p.m. at the Westview United Methodist Church in Burgaw. A reception will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall.