Barker, Rickey Alan's Obituary
Rickey Alan Barker was born to Gussie Lula Wiley and Thomas Barker, Jr., on September 4, 1952, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the first of two children born to this union, with his sister Dena coming along two years later. Rickey’s loving mother, Gussie passed away March 6, 1958.
In 1961, the family moved to San Diego, CA. Along with grandmother, Lorene “Granny’ Dargan, they initially moved to Emerald Hills, later settling in the Skyline area. Rickey attended Morse High School for a few years, then returned to Tulsa where he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1970 and eloped with Debra McClendon.
While in Tulsa, Rickey formed a close relationship with childhood friend, Charlie Wilson, which led to him becoming the drummer for The Gap Band in their early years. Moving back to San Diego, Barker followed his passion for hair by receiving a cosmetology license from San Diego City College in 1983. In 1988, Rickey married Kelli Duncan while continuing his profession as a highly trained barber for companies such as Fantastic Sam’s.
He prevailed as a cosmetologist for 30 years, retiring in the early 2000’s. In recent years, Rickey was a faithful servant to the Lord, with an optimistic and enduring personality, especially as a cancer survivor. Our loving father was called to rest on February 10, 2025 in La Jolla, CA.
His memory will be cherished by his three children, Emphrais McClendon, Micheal Barker Sr., and Danisha Barker, his grandchildren, Ahmilyen Antonette, Bella Serenity, Marvelous Emoni, and Micheal Anthony Jr., his niece Kisha Borden, and loving wife Charita Lynn Barker.
Rickey Alan Barker’s laughter and love for fashion will be missed most, but we know the Lord, “heals the brokenhearted and binds their wounds”, Psalms 147:3.
What’s your fondest memory of Rickey?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rickey?
Share a story where Rickey's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rickey you’ll never forget.
How did Rickey make you smile?