It is with a heavy heart that our family realizes the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Maynard Barker, III, into the gates of our Lord on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

Maynard was born in Danville, Virginia on June 15, 1942, a son of the late Maynard Barker, Jr. and Melissa (Neal) Barker.

He was a modern day John Wayne, defending the needy, raising the weak, advising with patience and intelligence, and always, always loving each of us. He was a man of few words and allowed us to walk our own path. He grew up on a tobacco farm in Ringgold, Virginia and knew his wife his whole life. He and his twin brother were pranksters, changing places with each other and playing jokes on others. He married the sweetheart of Dan River FFA, loving and protecting her his entire life. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed the company of his friends. After graduating from Virginia Tech, he acquired a job as an insurance adjuster in Crawford and Company. He moved to Staunton, Virginia in 1968. The mountains filled his heart and became his home. Later, he started his own business with the help of his two sons. He enjoyed each moment with his family and each of us grieve the loss of his presence in our lives.

He is survived by his wife of sixty years Mary "Lily" Barker, a daughter, Lillian Carole Della Penna (Christopher), and grandchildren, Gabriel Della Penna, and Lillie Della Penna; a son, Maynard Brian Barker (Jennifer) and grandchildren, Alexa Barker, Michael Barker, and Haley Barker and son, Jonathan Barker; brothers, Howard Neal Barker (Roberta Franks) and Wayne Barker (Rachel).

In the words of his best friend, "The world is a better place because of Maynard. He was just a good man."

All services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in Maynard's memory, to Memorial Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.