Thomas Dudley Barker

Thomas D. Barker, of Aiken, SC, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family, on January 29, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold (Andy) and Jane Barker, his sister Barbara Vieillard, and his beloved grandson Spencer Barker.

Tom was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. He graduated from the University of Buffalo with a major in Philosophy, but few knew that, during his time there, he also won the Junior National Championship in Fencing

After graduation, Tom served as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, where he flew planes and later manned a Minuteman Missile site 60 feet underground in Montana. In the years that followed, he spent most of his life in the Syracuse, NY area with his wife and best friend, Jan. Together, they retired to Aiken in 2005, where they made their final home.

At his core, Tom was an intellectual. Although he found success in commercial banking and sales and marketing, his true joy came from his insatiable thirst for knowledge. A voracious reader, he was endlessly curious about the world and the people around him. His family benefited most from this intellectual drive because Tom was also a natural teacher. Whether coaching Little League, guiding his children on the field, court, riding arena, golf course, or offering lessons in everyday life, he was always imparting wisdom. His passion for teaching also made him a beloved adjunct professor in the graduate program at Syracuse University

But beyond his intellect, Tom was known for his serenity and kindness. He loved golf, reading, his dogs, painting, traveling, writing, and ragtime music. Above all, he loved his family—his wife, children, and grandchildren

Tom is survived by his wife, Jan, of more than 62 years; his three children, Thomas D. Barker Jr., Tracy (Will Van Den Heuvel), and Edward; and his grandchildren, William, Owen, and Noelle Van Den Heuvel, and Edward Barker.

His very dry sense of humor and quick wit will be deeply missed, but it is his kind and gentle nature that will leave the greatest void.

In accordance with his wishes, a private celebration of his life will be held for his immediate family.

If you so choose, donations can be made to the Aiken County Animal Shelter at https://www.fotasaiken.org/donate/

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC