Kenneth Michael Barker

Kenneth Michael Barker “Mike”
August 22, 1953 – January 4, 2022
Mike passed away Jan. 4, 2022 peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer. He was born to Kenneth and Maxine Barker on Aug. 22, 1953 at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Corona, CA. and was raised in Bakersfield, CA attending North High School.
Mike loved his children and grandchildren tremendously. There was nothing he could not master putting his mind to it, from arm wrestling, distinguished marksman, the Highland games while being a great storyteller. While earning the nickname mad dog as a derrick hand, he became a welder by trade. He coached shot and disc at North and Garces High. He found great joy in teaching art to children in the migrant education program for the Art Council of Kern. Mike was a truly inspiring artist from high school, who developed his own unique technique and painted through to the end. His charismatic charm shined and his pug never left his side. He can never be replaced. We miss him dearly, but trust he is no longer in pain while fishing his heart’s content.
Mike is survived by his spouse KaryAnn, his children Sabrinia Graniere (Jody Schlobohm), Rachel Benckert (Eric), Sarah Rodriguez (Fabian), Mike Barker, Brianna Barker, Courtney Barker; grandchildren Helena and Brooklyn (Sabrinia), Dylan, Cole and Madi (Rachel), Caden, Noah and Luke (Sarah), Parker Martinho, Gabriel, Jacob and Paul (Brianna), Aden (Courtney); siblings Denise Krikorian (Jeff), Roger Barker (Kim), along with many nieces and nephews including Bob. Mike is predeceased in death by his parents Maxine and Kenneth Barker, and nephew Kevin O’Malley Jr. There will be a rosary, 5pm Tues, Jan. 11th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Mass of Christian Burial, 10am Wed. Jan. 12th also at O.L.P.H., the burial following at 12:30pm Jan 12th at Greenlawn Northeast, River Blvd. Bakersfield CA., Kern River Family Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, you may honor Mike’s memory by donating s to www.thepugqueen.org or the Art Council of Kern. Much love to all from his wife KaryAnn and his entire Barker family.