Ed Barker

Former Georgia State Senator Ed Barker passed away March 23, 2025 at his home in Clayton, GA. He celebrated his 90th birthday in February. He had been in Hospice care for many months.

Born in Augusta, GA, he was raised in Warner Robins, GA. He was the eldest of six children who began working at a young age including operating a gas station in high school. After graduating from Warner Robins High School and briefly attending Mercer University, he took over the family furniture business founded in 1944. He got involved in the growing community including serving as President of the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce and Air Force Association.

Ed represented the 18th Senatorial District in middle Georgia for nine consecutive terms; 1973 until retirement in 1991.

Upon leaving state politics, he and Janet moved to Highlands, NC where they owned a successful furniture and decorator showroom for twenty plus years, eventually retiring to Clayton in Rabun County, Georgia.

Preceding him in death, parents C.W. and Bertha Barker, son Eric Joseph Barker, brother Carlton and sister, Barbara.

He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Janet Belflower Barker; sons; Eddie Barker (Debi Ledford) and Billy Barker; daughter Jackie Barker (Paul Monroe); grandchildren William Barker (Jess), Kaylie Barker (Josh Walsh), Eric Barker (Allison), Dustin Monroe (Emily), and Sherri McCracken (Russ); five great grandchildren; and siblings Alvin (Ellen), Marshall and Jerry (Gayle) Barker.

Ed leaves behind many friends from across the state, especially the members of Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church where a Life Celebration will be held 3:00pm Saturday March 29, 2025 with a reception following. Burial will take place at 2:00pm on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Warner Robins.

Memorial contributions honoring Ed may be made to Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church or to Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Ed Barker. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.