Steve A. Barker, age 58, of rural Paola, Kansas, passed away September 4, 2016 at Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas surrounded by those who loved him dearly. Steve was born March 13, 1958 in Olathe, Kansas. He was the son of Warren "Gene" Barker and Barbara Jean Cruce Barker. Growing up Steve enjoyed photography and turning wrenches. Photography always remained a part of Steve's life and he and his wife Sydney mentored countless 4-H participants with their photography and electricity projects. Steve and Sydney were high school sweethearts and married shortly after graduating from Blue Valley High School in 1976. After they were married they relocated to Wichita for about a year while Steve attended mechanics school. Steve finished mechanics school and eventually became an ASE Master Gold Technician and was one of the 4% of mechanics to score at a 99% or above on all his Master Mechanics testing. Upon moving back to the Stanley/Stilwell area Steve's first job was at TG&Y in the Automotive Center. Steve would eventually work for various Ford Dealerships for the next 30 years. Steve was a train buff. He and Sydney drove many miles to photograph trains. They even picked the farm that they purchased later in life because it had a great view of a railroad bridge. Along with his love for trains Steve loved researching history, especially the history of the Titanic. Steve's recent endeavor was finding a love for bee keeping. Originally he and Sydney thought they would just start with one hive to harvest honey for themselves. Steve loved bee keeping so much that one hive quickly turned into seven. He even found a way to merge his favorite two hobbies with the name of his honey business. Whistle Stop Bees was an adventure that will continue through Sydney, Brian and Ben. Some of Steve's many accomplishments include earning an Associate's Degree in Information Technology in 2003, creating numerous PowerPoint presentation videos for his church, holding the position as Superintendent of the Photography Division for the Miami County Fair, and he had started work towards earning his pilot's license. Even though Steve was faced with fighting a life threatening illness, he remained trusting of his God. He knew the only way to heaven was through the shed blood of Christ. Even though Steve was known for speaking his opinions, he truly loved people and would give the shirt off his back and his last meal to anyone that was in need. His family was his life and he was so proud of his sons Brian and Ben and cherished his wife Sydney during their 40 years of marriage. Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara J. Barker; and his son, Franklin Barker. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Sydney L. Barker; two sons, Brian A. Barker (Karri), and Ben S. Barker (Jenica); one sister, Beverly Barrington (Alan); and seven grandchildren, Katrina, Charlie, Chloe, Dakota (Austin), Kelsey (Ethan), Seth, and Aleena.
Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 8, 2016 with visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 7, at Faith Chapel in Louisburg, Kansas