Pierce Barker

PIERCE BARKER, JR. Nov. 23, 1919 May 9, 2008   Pierce Barker Jr. , 88, son of Pierce Barker Sr. and Catherine (McGee) Barker, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2008 surrounded by his family.  Pierce Jr. was born on November 23, 1919 in Newark, NJ.   As an industrious young man, Pierce Jr. bought his first car at the age of 14 with his own money earned from his paper route.  He  graduated from the University of Michigan in 1941 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.  It was there that he met Mary F. Ferguson in an elevator and later married her in the ballroom of Ferguson Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 20, 1942.  Pierce Jr. also played football during his college years as a Michigan Wolverine.   Pierce Jr. and Mary moved from Grosse Pointe, MI to Rockford, IL in 1947 during which time he was employed by Vickers, Inc.  In Rockford he built the family home with his own hands even staying there many nights before the walls were completed.   Pierce Jr. saw Rockford as a wonderful place to raise a family and committed himself to the enhancement of the community.  As the best hydraulic applications engineer in the United States, he created notable reference for Rockford in the manufacturing world.  With personal vigor and great confidence in the area, Pierce Jr. and Mary founded Barker Rockford Company in 1956.  The company has sustained itself through three generations of families and expanded with its subsidiary Dove Equipment as well as offices in Mexico.   As a devoted father, Pierce Jr. recognized the need for a neighborhood school in which to educate his children.  Accordingly, he was the driving force behind the creation of Marsh School in 1951. He unselfishly gave many hours to the Marsh School Board prior to its annexation to the Rockford School District.  As his children grew he continued his efforts resulting in the development and launching of Guilford High School.  Pierce Jr. coached Little League, was a member of the Rockford Engineering Society, Elks Club, Ostende Club and Forest Hills Country Club where he and Mary enjoyed dining and dancing.  Every Saturday night they were acknowledged as fabulous ballroom dancers.  He loved golf, boating and swimming deriving particular enjoyment from family activities at his Lake Michigan beach house which remains in the family today.   Professionally, Pierce Jr. was a primary concept consultant in the creation of the Alaskan Pipeline.  To this day, highly specified power units manufactured by Barker Rockford Company are still used to pump crude oil along the pipeline.  In 1977, Pierce Jr. was honored with the prestigious Illinois Small Businessman of the Year award and was entertained in the Rose Garden by President Carter.  Never seeking personal accolades, he always attributed his success to those around him.   Pierce Jr. is survived by his wife Mary with whom he shared 66 wonderful years, his five children: Anne (Bill Everett, Jr.) Barker-Adams of Tampa, FL, Pierce (Rise) Barker III of Cherry Valley, IL, Susan (Jim) Barker-Palmeno of Rockford, IL, Lynn (Steve) Barker-Stutsman of Rockford, IL and Mary (John) Barker-Kohlmeier of Lake Bluff, IL; his 15 grandchildren including David Loos, Dana Pepe, Wendy Barker, Angie Barker-Lancaster, Josh and Jordan Wehrle, Mike and Gabriel Chavez, Chris, Matthew and Kari Stutsman, Cassie Stutsman-Reed, Mike, Tom and John Wright; his cousin Frank (China) Rhyme and many great grandchildren.  Pierce Jr. was predeceased by his parents.  Those fortunate enough to have known Pierce Jr. understood his basic values of honesty, patriotism and dedication to a job well done.   Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Rd. with Rev. Patty Anderson officiating.  Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 14 from 4 8 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. and on Thursday a