Richard "Rick" Mason Barker

April 1, 1954 - September 14, 2013

Richard "Rick" Mason Barker, age 59 of Port Richey, Florida, passed away unexpectedly September 14, 2013.A graveside memorial will take place Saturday, September 28, at 1:00 p.m., at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, Sunset Point Road, Clearwater. Rick was born in Christiansburg, Virginia, April 1, 1954, and was always teased as an April Fool baby. The family moved to Clearwater in 1957, and that's where Rick went to school and spent most of his life. As an adult he was blessed in having talent in several careers. His first talent was as a car mechanic and restorer; he shared a paint & body business with a close friend . He later went on to train and become a journeyman plumber for a local company. Looking for new adventures, he went to truck driving school where he excelled and became a cross country driver for several different tractor trailer companies. For the last eight years, he was employed by Advantage Delivery and Logistics as an independent contractor, delivering auto parts, etc., to local businesses throughout the Tampa Bay area. Rick enjoyed the inter-action with his clients, customers and co-workers. Some of Rick's favorite things include restoring and selling vintage cars, building engines, Nascar races, fishing, cruises and cross-country car trips with his long-time companion Sandy O'Connell, exploring new places. And his love for his dogs, most recently, German Sheperd, Audi. At the time of his passing, Rick was restoring a 1930 Model A Ford for Sandy, from the frame up. He had just finished building and installing the engine that ran great, would soon be ready to road-test. Rick has gone to join his mom & dad, Jacqueline (Jackie) and Walter "Mason" Barker, pre-deceased, of Virginia, Clearwater and Apopka, Florida, brother Terry Michael Barker, pre-deceased, who died before the age of two. Survivors include older sister Connie Barker Butts and fiancAC. Dale Bonnell, of Apopka, Florida; younger sister, Jill Rene' Barker and husband Ray Arel, of Eustis, Florida; Aunt Verna Maxine Linkous, of Riner, Virginia; long time companion and soul-mate Sandy O'Connell of Dunedin, Florida and children, William O'Connell (Cindy), Megan O'Connell Kantner (Brian), Susan O'Connell, and their families. Rick, you are missed, please rest in peace, we love you always. Connie