Robert Lee Barker

Robert L. "Bob" Barker of Cooperstown, PA passed into the presence of Jesus Christ on May 20, 2018 after a seven month battle with liver cancer. He was surrounded by his family.Born in Titusville on June 5, 1937, he was the son of Herbert L., Sr. and Viola Lefford Barker.Bob went to work at a young age. As a youth he helped care for oil leases in and around the Titusville area. He also worked as a janitor and helped with catering at the Titusville Eagles Club. Bob graduated from Titusville High School in 1956.On September 13, 1958, Bob married Delores A. Nelson at St. James Episcopal Church in Titusville, and she survives. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in September of this year.In 1959 Bob went to work at Franklin Steel, working at the mill until it closed in the early 1990s. In 1996, after working at St. Louis Steel in St. Louis, Missouri, he returned to Franklin when Franklin Steel was purchased and reopened as Franklin Industries, retiring in 2001 as Superintendent of Manufacturing. Bob was very instrumental in getting the mill up and running once again. After retiring, he was asked to return to Franklin Industries as a consultant. He retired from Franklin Industries after 55 years in the steel industry. Bob also had worked for UPMC delivering medications throughout the region from 2003 until he "finally" retired in the fall of 2015.Bob worked for Deeter Homes from 1969 until 1979 building homes in 'Deeterville', Cooperstown. He was also operator and co-owner of B & L Insulation for a number of years.In the late 1970's, Bob coached his son's minor league baseball team in the infancy of the Cooperstown Athletic Association. He also sponsored and managed the B & L Insulation softball team for a number of years. B & L's colors were those of his favorite sports teams - black and gold. Many fond memories were made with the members of the team at Miller-Sibley Park and going to tournaments around the area.Bob enjoyed hunting, watching the Steelers and the Pirates. In his younger years, he loved to play poker and was an avid bowler. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all held a special place in his heart.In addition to his wife, Delores, Bob is survived by his children: Richard Luben (Lisa) of Oil City, Herbert Barker (Jamie) of Oil City, Robin Montgomery (Rankin) of Franklin, Kristal Clark of Conway, PA, and First Sargent Randall Barker (Ret.) of Watertown, NY.Also surviving are his grandchildren: Josh Montgomery (Tiffany) of Seneca, Leah Shook (Ray), Justin Barker, Travis Barker (Tiffany), Josiah Montgomery, Cole Clark, all of Franklin, Chandler, Marcus and Chelsea Chase, all of Oil City, Shawn and Nicole Luben, both of Pittsburgh, Rachel Montgomery of Houston TX, Caitlyn Niemie (Joel ) of Buda, TX, and Emily Uhler (Joe) of Conway, PA.Bob is also survived by 19 great-grandchildren; one brother and three sisters; and many nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, his was preceded in death by his brother and his five sisters.Family and friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home at 6:00 pm following visitation with Reverend Randy Kightlinger, Venango County VNA Hospice Chaplain, officiating.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cooperstown Volunteer Fire Department - PO Box 186, Cooperstown PA 16317 and/or to the V.N.A. of Venango County at Venango County V.N.A. Foundation - 491 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin PA 16323.To send cards, flowers, online condolences or for general information, friends and family are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.