H Kenneth Barker

Dr. H. Kenneth Barker, Dean Emeritus, The University of Akron

Dr. H. Kenneth Barker, 92, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2014, in Fairlawn, Ohio.

He was born on April 14, 1922 in Louisville, Kentucky to the late James Barker and the late Fannie Barker. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Barker, his daughter, Leslie Barker, his brothers, James Barker and Billy Barker, and his step-son's wife, Jane Leaver.

Dr. Barker is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly, to whom he was married for 30 years; loving son, Glenn Barker of San Francisco, California; step-sons, James Leaver of Medina, Ohio and Robert Leaver of Miami, Florida; grandchildren, Lauren Leaver of Marietta, Ohio, Jamie (Shannon) Sawyer of Nashville, Tennessee, Jordyn Leaver of Medina, Ohio, Marco Leaver of Miami, Florida and Caridad Leaver of Miami, Florida; great-granddaughter, Peyton Leaver of Marietta, Ohio; as well as a host of relatives and long time friends.

During World War II, Dr. Barker served over three years in England, France and Germany, assigned to glider borne aircrafts in the U.S. Army Air Corp. Dr. Barker was a graduate of the University of Louisville, earning a B.A. and M.A. in Psychology. He obtained his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Child Development from the University of Michigan in 1959.

In 1959, Dr. Barker's career took him from Michigan to Washington D.C where he was the Associate Executive Secretary of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Akron, Ohio became home to Dr. Barker in 1966 when he began his tenure as Dean of the College of Education of his beloved University of Akron. He served as Dean of the College of Education until 1985 when he became Special Assistant to the President. He also served concurrently as the Dean of International Programs from 1966 to 1979. His love of travel took him to over 83 countries.

Dr. Barker was instrumental in the establishment of The University of Akron's Center for Economic Education in 1975. In 2001, the Center was renamed the H. Kenneth Barker Center for Economic Education in his honor. He has been listed in several publications, including Who's Who in America and Leaders in Education. Dr. Barker was an inspiration who touched the lives of so many. Among his close group of friends, he is fondly remembered for his generous spirit.

Friends will be received at the Billow Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, Ohio on Saturday, November 8, 2014 from noon until 2:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. with burial following at the Rose Hill Burial Park. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)