John E. Barker

John E. Barker, 89, of Middletown, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2014, at his residence. He was born in Middleport, Ohio on April 9, 1925 to parents Burns E. and Ruth Claire (Longstaff) Barker. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William E. Barker; a sister, Roseanna Barker Mayes; nephew, David Mayes; and his wife, Mary Lou Barker.

He is survived by three children, Susan Barker Clinger of Morehead, KY, John Kent Barker of Orlando, FL, and Darlene "D" Barker Seiffert of Avon, MA. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Catherine Cooper & Chris Clinger of Morehead, KY and Shand Phoenix Seiffert of Avon, MA; one great grandchild, Ben Clinger-Cooper; two nephews, Paul & Larry Barker of Lima, OH a niece, Barbara Mayes Paulus of Lima, OH; and several grand-nieces & nephews.

After graduation from Middleport High School in 1943, he immediately went into the U.S. Army. He attended the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) in Fargo, N.D.; ski training in upper Michigan; and joined the 80th Infantry Division at Fort Dix, N.J. before going overseas to England. The 80th Division was a part of General Patton's 3rd Army in Europe. Mr. Barker was a sergeant in the infantry and received two Purple Hearts in Europe. After returning from military service, he attended Ohio University, Athens, Ohio and received a B.S. degree in chemistry. He then went to Ohio State University and received a Master's degree in chemical engineering in 1951. Upon graduation from OSU, he joined Armco Steel Corporation in the general engineering department, working in the field of pollution control. He served 39 years in the engineering department at Armco, retiring in December 1989 as Assistant Vice President - Energy & Environmental Affairs. He was very active in the American Iron & Steel Institution (AISI) and served as chairman of both the Environmental Committee and the Energy Committee. He is best remembered as the "father" of the "bubble concept", the forerunner of today's EPA emission trading policy. He is also remembered as the originator of Armco's "Green Belt" program, a belt of trees and shrubs 5 1/2 miles long around the Middletown Works.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 3:00 pm at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., Middletown. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at the funeral home and Thursday, prior to the service, from 2:00 - 3:00 pm. His cremains will be placed in the crypt with his wife at Woodside Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial contributions be made to The Salvation Army Christmas Fund, 1914 First Ave., Middletown, Ohio 45044.

Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044