In Memory of Josh Barker

No one ever thinks it will happen to them. But on January 27th, it happened to our sister.

She and her husband, Josh Barker, were talking together after a long day when he started seizing. Jessica and her 17 -year -old daughter had to perform CPR while they waited for the ambulance to arrive.

But the paramedics couldn’t save him. He was only 48 and leaves behind our dear sister and their six beautiful children—the youngest is only two years old.

Nineteen years ago, Josh married our sister and became a father to her young son. Together, they brought five more children into the world. Josh was a full-time caregiver to their fifteen-year-old nonverbal autistic son, Charlie. We don’t know what they are going to do without him.

In our sister’s words, “Josh healed my heart. He taught me the meaning of true love. He was my rock. He made everything okay. He made me laugh. He saw me, all of me, and still loved me. And I love him, so deeply. He was the best man I have ever known; the most considerate, amazing husband and the most loving and concerned father.”

Our sister and her children have had their world completely upended; their hearts are shattered. Besides losing the best father and husband anyone could ask for, our sister's family is facing financial hardship. After a long struggle, they were only just beginning to get their financial footing under them. Without Josh, they are thrown back into uncertainty. We are hoping to raise enough money to put Jessica’s mind at ease so she can focus on carrying her children through this terrible loss. Our sister and her family are facing a serious financial need for Charlie’s ongoing care, Josh’s medical bills, and funeral costs.

Whatever you can contribute will be appreciated more than you can know. If you would like to donate through Venmo instead you can send funds directly to Jessica Barker @Jessica-Barker-19

Thank you.