Jeffrey H Barker

Jeffrey Hale Barker, 44, of Newton, passed away on February 25, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, March 3, 2015, from 5:00 7:00 p.m., and again Wednesday morning at 9:00, prior to the service. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. For more information or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com, or call 641-844-1234. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Jeff and his family. Jeff was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, on May 15, 1970, to parents, Jerry Lee and Jean (Mayer) Barker. He graduated from South Tama High School and went on to attend Hawkeye Tech. Jeff served his country honorably in the United States Navy. On November 27, 2013, Jeff married Sarah (Young) Zaruba in Newton, Iowa, where they made their home. He was employed at the Newton Correctional Facility for 17 years, and later at JBS. He was a proud member of AFSCME Local 0451. Jeff was a wonderful person who lived life to the fullest. His smile and laughter were infectious to all who knew him and Jeff will always be remembered for his amazing storytelling abilities. Jeff was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, reading, and grilling out. Left to cherish Jeffs memory is his wife, Sarah; his children: Melissa (Mitchell) Lutes, Ashley Barker, and Haley Barker; his parents, Jerry and Jean Barker; his step-children: Bailey Zaruba and Steven McCrink; one grandson on the way, Liam Hale Lutes, due June 2015; his brother Jay (Larie) Barker; nephews: Logan and Bryce Barker; niece, Cailin Barker; his special friend, Hannah Whitlow; and his canine companion, Lou. Jeff was preceded in death by his grandparents, Warren and Pauline Shipley, and Donna Mayer; his step-son, Mitchell McCrink, numerous uncles; and his former wife, Kristin Barker.