Thomas John Barker, 75, of Wooster, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on March 29, 2026, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by those he loved most.
Tom was born on September 22, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Robert Kentis and Kathleen (McGinley) Sykes. He grew up in Lakewood and graduated from Lakewood High School in 1969.
He went on to a long and dedicated career as a contact lens technician at Wooster Eye Center, where he served the community for over 40 years. Tom took great pride in his work and was known for the kindness and genuine care he showed each of his patients.
Tom felt most at home outdoors—whether working on his farm, walking in the woods, or spending quiet hours fishing or hunting. He was a devoted Cleveland sports fan and a gifted musician, playing guitar and bass as a founding member of The Sip Band, Weekend Mission, and Cross-Eyed Mission. More than anything, Tom loved sharing what he knew. Whether teaching guitar, coaching sports, or passing along his love of the outdoors, he was a patient and encouraging presence. He will be remembered for his quiet kindness, his quick wit, and of course, his legendary mustache.
He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a loving grandfather. His grandchildren were the center of his world and brought him endless joy.
Tom is survived by his wife, Joyce (Ickes); his sons, Brian of Columbus and Matt (Emmy) of Wooster; and his beloved grandchildren, Penny, Desmond, Josie, and Bennett, who will carry forward his humor, humility, and deep love for others. He is also survived by his sister, Colleen (Mike) Burgart, his brother, Robert Barker, and his sister-in-law Karen Ickes, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who felt more like family. He will be missed by his loyal dog, Louie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Timothy Barker; his sister, Mary Kay McNamara; and his stepsisters, Laurel Urban and Carolyn Kashawlic, as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Thelma Ickes, and his brother-in-law Ron Ickes.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Whit’s End, www.wecareohio.org or to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 in Tom’s honor.
May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
So very sorry for your loss. I always enjoying talking to Tom. He was such a great guy. If there is anything I can do, please call
Tom, fitted me with glasses from a small child till I was an adult. He was always kind and smiling.
We are very sorry for your loss, Joyce and Family. This was too sudden and much too soon. Thoughts and prayers🙏🤗🙏
Joyce and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Only after my initial shock of reading this did many memories of fun times and conversations from my years at WEC come flooding back. Rest Peacefully, Tom
Joyce, we are in total shock and disbelief. We truly send our deepest sympathy to you, your boys and grandchildren. The words in the obituary describe him perfectly. We are blessed to have known him. Hold tight to all the wonderful memories you share.
So sorry for your loss joyce..
I’m so sorry Joyce. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Hugs
Joyce, Brian, Matt, Emmy, Penny, Desmond, Josie, and Bennett, we are very sad to hear about Tom. He was a one-of-a-kind lovable guy that showed kindness and care to all. We are lucky to have known him & we will miss him. Condolences and much Love to you at this time.
Thinking of all of you & sending prayers. It’s so devastating.
Joyce, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and family.
So sorry, i didn’t know him, but heard nice things. God Bless
Joyce, I was very sorry to read of the passing of Tom. He helped me for many years with my special contacts for my left eye. He was always accommodating and did a terrific job with measuring and fitting my eye. I was so sorry when he retired. Please accept my heart felt condolences.
Joyce, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. You’re in my thoughts and prayers if you ever need to talk to someone give me a call.
Joyce, I am so so sorry. You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. I love you friend
Sorry for your loss,Joyce.
A talented musician indeed! Nick and I enjoyed listening to Tom play with the Weekend Mission. Such a very nice and charismatic guy. Joyce-although you deserved more time together, I have no doubt the time you had was spent beautifully. We are so grateful to have known Tom. Continue living your life by honoring Tom through everything you do, Joyce. You know his spirit is still with you.
I am so sorry to read this Joyce. Tom was such a nice man. Thinking about you and your family during this very difficult time. Hugs. 🙏 Carol Banach
I went to Tom for many years at The Wooster Eye Center. He was patient and definitely knew his work. Peace to all of his family and all who knew and loved him.
Sorry for your loss. He and Ron Hamlin hunted together many times. He will be missed.
I loved playing in the band with Tom. He is the one who got me started on my musical journey. He will be missed!
Joyce, so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved husband. My very deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss, tom was a great guy, I am thankful I got the privilege to know him, if you need anything at all please don’t hesitate to reach out!
So very sorry to see this. Tom was a wonderful person, a gentle man who cared about his patients and friends! He was one of the best in his field I believe. Soar with the angels Tom🙏🏻✝️
I am so sorry for your loss.
Joyce, our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours for comfort, peace, and healing!
Tom took such wonderful care of us at Wooster Eye Center! His genuine kindness, compassion, and integrity showed in the quality care he provided for patients!
We will miss seeing him on our walks!
We will miss seeing him on our walks as well!
Joyce and family,
It was a real shock when Bruce told me of Tom’s passing. He was such a kind and gentle man. I first knew him at the Eye Center, he took wonderful care of his patients. Then we rented the Ickes farm land for lots and lots of years.. and it was always a pleasure to talk to him.
Rest in peace my friend.
Tom kept me seeing for many years. He was very nice and will be missed you have my sympathy.
Man…. Tom was one of the Best! So Sorry For your Loss. Tom sure did Love his Family! I’m gonna so miss our monthly talks about “Ickes Pond” and Life in General. RIP Tom
Joyce and family, our prayers are with you. Tom was such a joy to know and a wonderful care provider at the Eye Center. We had so many wonderful conversations about watching our boys grow up and playing sports together. Sorry for your loss.
Sincere condolences to all of Tom’s family from one of his ol’ Lakewood gang. We loved you Tommy! Generously loyal, funny, and kind. Safe Home, friend. Peace and love.
JOYCE:
My deepest condolences and SYMPATHY TO YOU & all the great family!!
You know that TOM is in a much better place now, rather than suffering
with the pancreatic cancer.
He is & watching YOU & family who are in my prayers here in DOWNEAST MAINE!
Please, read Ecclesiastics 3:1-3 & #1-14
Do not forget PSALMS 40 & 41, as well. PSALMS 23
love to YOU JOYCE!! Gosh we were in k-12 at NHS (Was that when?)
yesterday??)
My