John Leon Barker

John Leon Barker, or as the kids called him “Mr. John or Mr. B”, passed away April 6, 2024 at the age of 76.

He was a fourth generation Floridian, born November 9, 1947 in Fort Pierce, Florida to the late John William, II and Marie Barker. The family moved to Vero Beach where he was raised on the Indian River with his brother and cousins. He attended Vero Beach High School where he played football and baseball, graduating from their evening education program in 1968.

John worked in the citrus industry for over 25 years. He began picking fruit as a teenager, then moved into management of production and harvesting. He worked for a handful of local packing houses, with most of his career spent with Ocean Spray.

His education was one of his greatest accomplishments. He earned his Associate of Arts from Indian River Community College with concentration of accounting and economics in 1976. He returned to his alma mater 22 years later and, in 2000, earned his Associate of Science Degree/Human Services with concentration of psychology and counseling. Later, in 2001, he received a Bachelor of Science ORM from Palm Beach Atlantic University. In 2004, he completed his studies and earned his Master of Science with concentration of Counseling Psychology/Mental Health from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

John had a heart for volunteer work. He volunteered as a group facilitator and peer counselor at The Source, an outreach center for the homeless, and with other Christ-centered recovery programs.

Through his faith in Christ, John was a facilitator to many. He was blessed with the ability to connect and minister to people from all walks of life and found his work with children and families to be the most rewarding.As such, he changed careers later in life to help children and adolescents cope with trauma, abuse, and severe mental illness. He worked as a counselor at Sandy Pines and New Horizons where he retired.

His daughter, Heather, and grandson, Bradyn Harp, shared some of his most joyous and proud moments. He raised Heather as a single father, granting to her every opportunity he could provide. He then became “Papa” and dedicated himself to raising Bradyn by his daughter’s side. Some of his fondest memories were of Scouts, middle school band, and high school drumline with his daughter and again with his grandson when he followed in her footsteps. John would also reminisce often about the many adventures the three of them had around the state of Florida and the times they watched football games together. (Go, Pack!)

In addition to spending time with his family, John enjoyed praise and worship, fishing, gardening, camping, boating, white water rafting, cookouts, watching sports, and attending rock ‘n’ roll concerts.

John was seen as a father to many, opening his home and his heart to all of his “children in spirit”. Throughout his lifetime he provided a safe and loving home to a dozen children, teenagers, and young adults, welcoming them in with kindness and understanding. If you weren’t sleeping in the spare room, camped out in the living room, or taking over his recliner chair, he was only a phone call away. As children grew into adults and started families of their own, he remained a father to all, always available to listen, advise, and help however he could. He was a great leader and role model, a shepherd with a servant’s heart.

Survivors include his children, Heather Barker, Chad Leighton and Liane McMullen; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brother, John William Barker, III and infant son, Matthew Barker.

A Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m., on Friday, April 19, 2024 at New Hope Ministries, 4425 71st St, Vero Beach, FL 32967.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, April 19, 2024 at New Hope Ministries. There will be an opportunity for friends and family to share their fondest memories. Burial will follow at Winter Beach Cemetery, privately with family.

John was an avid supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and many Florida wildlife conservation charities.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to a children’s charity or a Florida environmental conservation group of one’s choice.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory.