November 18 2019
Howard C. Barker of Dobbs Ferry passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at 3:30am on Monday November 18, 2019. Born May 14, 1924 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Howard just celebrated his 95th birthday this past year with friends and family. Howard recently published his memoir, “I Have Always Loved Older Women”, in which he tells wonderful stories of his life, richly lived. Though having an eventful childhood in the rural south, his parents died in a flu epidemic when he was only seven years old and he and his brother were raised by his Aunt Amber and three Uncles. Howard made his way into young adulthood discovering a great interest and talent in art. After briefly attending Auburn University in Alabama he enlisted for service in World War II. He trained in various branches of the military touring England, France, the Netherlands and Germany. During his service, he worked in The Entertainment Division, bringing movies and performances to the troops. After the war, Howard made his way to New York City to pursue his passion in art. He explored his artistic talents doing story boards, costume and set design for summer stock and amateur theatre. Howard eventually worked his way up to designing sets for television shows, commercials and films and eventually became a member of the Union, Local 829 for Scenic Artists. In 2001 Howard Barker was the oldest union member to retire at the age of 77. Howard met his wife Madeleine Arentoft when Art Directing a film in Copenhagen, Denmark, she was a model working as an extra on the film. It was a storybook romance, she soon moved to New York City, and they were married within months. They created a happy life together, having three children and building a beautiful home, first in the city and then settling in Dobbs Ferry, where they were blessed with the most incredible neighbors, friends and community. Howard leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Madeleine Barker, his son Thomas Barker and daughter in law Finny Barker, daughter India Liddell and son in law Jay Liddell, his two grandsons Christopher and Patrick, his youngest daughter Mia Barker, her husband Todd Seidman and his grand-daughter Pearl. He is also survived by his niece Cathy Barker Shearer, her son Brett and grand-daughter Joy, his nephews John Craig Barker and Chris Barker, and his cousin Cynthia Pagano. He was pre-deceased by his brother Bishop and nephew Cortland Barker. Visitation Hours will be held at Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home in Dobbs Ferry, Friday, November 22, from 4pm-7pm. Funeral Service will be at Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 23rd, at 11 AM. Those wishing to designate a memorial gift in Howard C. Barker’s honor may do so to The Dominican Sisters of Rosary Hill Home, Thornword, NY. The Barker family is forever grateful to the Sisters and their staff for their loving care. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Howard C. Barker please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Howard C Barker November 18 2019.
Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home Inc
Death notice for the town of: Dobbs Ferry, state: New York