Robert L. “Bob” Barker, 80, died at home in Beverly Hills, FL on May 22, 2025. Born in and raised in the small mining and industrial town of Moundsville, WV, he was the son of the late Charles E. and Carrie Maxwell Barker. He was not just a loving father, husband, and brother but also a doting grandfather known as “GrandBob” or “Grandpa”.
Bob spent his youth growing up with his siblings hunting and fishing as boys liked to do in the 1950’s. After finishing high school, Bob worked for a short time at the Marx Toy Factory making what would be called today “classic” metal toy cars and trucks.
After leaving the toy factory, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for two years. During his time on board the ship, he visited Hawaii and obtained his infamous hula-girl forearm tattoo! The circumstances of the tattoo’s acquisition remain murky to this day!
Upon leaving the Navy, Bob moved the family to Titusville, Florida and joined the Titusville Fire Department. During this time, Titusville was rapidly a growing community due to its proximity to Cape Kennedy and NASA’s Space Center during the expanding space program.
Bob continued to serve the Titusville community for over 26 years in the Fire Department rising to the rank of Deputy Chief by the end of his career. Following his retirement from the Fire Department, Bob relocated to Citrus County where he continued to serve that community by working part-time for a medical transport company. He enjoyed driving patients to and from their appointments providing support and care along the way.
Bob made a new life in Citrus County after marrying Veronica. They made a warm and loving home providing a hub for both of their extended families. Many celebrations and special events were held under their roof – their door was always open and welcoming.
Bob is predeceased by his youngest son, Scott and his loving wife of 30 years, Veronica. He is survived by his oldest son, Robert “Bobby” Barker, Jr and his family Stacey, Maddy and Cody; his youngest brother Jim and wife Diane; nephew Tom and wife Sue; as well as Veronica’s children Jackie, Pam, Claudine and Eugene.
Bob and Veronica will be celebrated at their Funeral Service to be held at the Charles E. Davis Funeral Home in Inverness on Friday, June 13th. The family will receive visitors at 11:30 a.m. The prayer service will begin at 12:30 p.m. Final committal will be at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 2:00 p.m.
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