Captain Charles Milton Barker

Captain Charles Milton Barker, 87, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 8, 2026. Born October 22, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he grew up in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania with his father Roy, mother Melzina, and twin brother Jim. He graduated from Westminster College in 1960, after which he joined the U.S. Navy. He married Martha Lewis in 1963. She accompanied him, along with their daughter Jenny, from coast to coast and even foreign countries during his time in the service. He had a long and storied carrier in the Navy. He commanded three ships and eventually ended his career at the Pentagon, retiring in 1987. Stories of his career have been compiled into a biographical album by a former officer and friend, Capt. Tom Brown. After retirement, they moved to Kingsport, Tennessee, where they built their little dream house on a hill and enjoyed the “country life”.

He is survived by his daughter, Jenny; son-in-law, Jimmy; and grandchildren, Emily and Tyler Leach. Also, by his twin brother, Jim; sister-in-law, Mittye; niece, Beth (Greg) Neal; nephew, Matt (Lori) Barker; and great-nieces and nephews, Katie, Lauren, Rebecca, Anna, and Timothy. He greatly adored them all. 

A visitation for Capt. Barker will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Highland Baptist Church in Johnson City, Tennessee from 5-7pm with a service to follow officiated by Pastor Dave Mauger.

A military graveside service will take place at 3pm on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Oak Hill Memorial Park in Kingsport, Tennessee.