Gary Wayne Barker

Gary was born in Lorain, Ohio on October 2, 1963. His loving parents were Jim and Neva Barker (both deceased). He is survived by his sister, Sharon Jean Hazen. Other family members include: brother-in-law Mark Hazen; nephew Jonathan Hazen, his wife Shannon, and their seven children; niece Valerie Jones, her husband Adam, and their son.

Gary was both a Professor of Acting and the Senior Associate Dean for Administration and Undergraduate Affairs at the prestigious College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Louis University.

His life profoundly influenced those around him as a teacher, actor, theatre director, beloved leader, trusted friend, and loving family member.

Gary excelled in all that he did. His professional success has been celebrated on numerous occasions through awards and nominations from Saint Louis Theatre Circle awards, Kevin Kline Awards, and the Chauncey E. Finch Award for Excellence in Mentoring at Saint Louis University.

We are proud of all his accomplishments and even more so of his devotion to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is from his unwavering desire to honor God’s purpose for his life that Gary found joy in work and service to humanity. His free time was spent leading a small group at church, serving in ministerial leadership, and actively volunteering with benevolence organizations such as “Welcome Neighbor STL”.

Gary was loved and respected for his thoughtfulness, kindness, knowledge, and management skills which brought out the best among us all. He will be greatly missed.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held Saturday, February 21st at 1:00pm at Webster Hills United Methodist Church, 698 West Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119. A light reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Webster Hills UMC or Welcome Neighbor STL. Thank you.