Charles Edward Barker

Charles Edward Barker was born in Los Angeles on March 11, 1944 to Emma Laura Huey Barker and James Edward Barker. In 1948 his mother married Alfred Dudley, and the two of them lovingly raised Charles as well as his younger brothers David and Donald Dudley. Charles was brought up in the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church in Los Angeles where he was baptized and his family were active and devoted members. He attended Dorsey High School and graduated his senior year of high school from Thunderbird SDA Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona. Charles lettered in track and field and won all but one race while at Dorsey. He also broke school and city records at Dorsey in the 660 and 880 as well as the 440 at Thunderbird. Charles attended La Sierra University, Cal State Los Angeles, and ultimately graduated from University of Redlands with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He recognized early on that his vocation was in sales. After a few years in insurance and food sales with Nabisco, Charles found his ultimate calling in pharmaceutical sales, initially with Hoechst Roussel for a few years and then with Merck until his retirement in 2006. He enjoyed many years of professional relationships with collegues and medical professionals, many of whom became dear friends.

Charles had three children from previous marriages when he met Ginger in 1980; Michael, Gina and Kylene. They married in 1981 and welcomed their daughter Kristen in 1982. They made their home together first in West Covina, later in Loma Linda, and then finally in Aliso Viejo for the past 25 years. In almost 43 years of marraige, they raised their children, became grandparents and enjoyed countless family activities and celebrations. Upon moving to Orange County, they began hosting annual family picnics at Heisler Park in Laguna Beach where their extended families gathered and bonded. Charles was always a very social person and cultivated innumerable friendships in his lifetime. He connected freely and easily with everyone he encountered. He truly loved getting to know people and derived great pleasure in long, meaningful conversations. He enjoyed mentoring and advising those he loved. He was naturally athletic for most of his life and really enjoyed competition. He was also an avid sports fan who followed track and field, basketball, football, baseball and the Olympic Games. From a young age and throughout his life he played every electronic game available, including electric football, Pong, Intellivision, Atari, PlayStation and Xbox. He reveled in challenging his kids and grandkids at every opportunity. Charles had a playful spirit. He delighted in the joy and innocence of children, especially his own children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and took great pride in their accomplishments and milestones in life. He loved the Lord and diligently studied his Word with great enthusiasm, even as his eyesight diminished. Charles had complete conviction that his salvation rested in his faith and acceptance in Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.

Charles was preceded in death by his mother Emma, his fathers Alfred and James, and is survived by his wife Ginger; son Michael (Tomi), daughters Gina (Steve), Kylene and Kristen (Andy); grandchildren Joshua (Brittney), Madison, Andrew, Giovanni and Luca; brothers David (Judy), Donald (Christine) and James (Claire); and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

A Celebration of Charles’ Life will take place on March 16th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Laguna Niguel Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 29702 Kensington Dr., Laguna Niguel, CA, followed by a repast in the Fellowship Hall at the same location.