Richard Barker Obituary

Richard Paul Barker, 87, of Petoskey, MI passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025. Born November 17, 1937, in Wayne, MI to Mark and Rose Barker. Richard, or as most called him, Dick, was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Dick married his hometown sweetheart, Betty Ann Szabo in 1959 and the couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last fall.

Dick loyally spent his career at Ford Motor Company for 37 years, and in 1994 retired to his happy place—northern Michigan. He and Betty Ann bought 20 acres of land in Petoskey and built a house and barn. They had envisioned planting a few apple trees, enough for Betty to make apple pies, and live out their golden years on their land. However, Dick grew to love the challenge of growing the tastiest and most crisp apples and the juiciest, reddest tomatoes. Before he knew it, he was planting over 100 apple trees, 400 tomato plants, and various other vegetables and fruit trees every season and running a small business out of his barn called “The County Apple Farm Market” alongside his wife, Betty. They ran this small venture for 25 years, where they met many wonderful people, with several repeat customers becoming dear friends. Dick was known as “Farmer Barker”, a title he was proud to hold, as it acknowledged his hard work and dedication to his craft.

Richard is survived by his wife, Betty Ann, his daughter, Julie (husband, Rob) Guerreso, his grandchildren, Kelsey, Anthony and Paige, and his great grandchildren, Luke and Roman. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Diane and his two sons, Rick and John. A graveside service will be held in Petoskey at Greenwood Cemetery on Thursday, July 3 at 2pm.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com