Steven Wayne “Poppi” Barker, beloved father, grandfather, and lifelong NY Mets fan, died peacefully at his home in Oregon on August 20, 2024, at the age of 67.

Steve was born May 13, 1957 in Port Jefferson, Long Island, New York. The second of five children, his family lived in Long Island and Newburgh, NY, before moving upstate when he was 14 years old. He graduated from Afton Central School and SUNY Delhi before marrying the love of his life, Carol Ann Lashway, in 1976.

Steve began his career building homes with his father and uncle, before moving into retail and commercial construction in later years.

Though he loved woodworking and construction, his true passion was his family. Steve was a fierce family man, always deeply involved in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and extended family. He coached Little League, volunteered in the Cub Scouts, served as an Advisor in local school construction projects, taught all of his grandchildren how to use tools, took his family to NY Mets games and lamented their numerous losing seasons, tinkered on everyone’s cars, and most recently, was the most supportive (loudest) fan of his granddaughter’s softball team, the Lady Bombers. Steve also enjoyed restoring his 1952 Chevy pick up truck, a true labor of love.

Steve was the son of George and Ann (Tighe) Barker (both deceased), brother to Debra, Jeffrey (deceased), and Carol, and twin brother to Paul. He was predeceased by his best friend and mother of his children, Carol (Lashway) Barker. Steve is survived by an enormous group of family and friends: his daughter Nicole and Larry Butterer of Hillsboro Oregon, his son Christopher and KatieLynn Barker of Afton New York, 19 nieces and nephews, and many grand-nieces and nephews. And finally, his beloved grandsons of whom he was immensely proud: Mason (20), Logan (18), Cooper (17), Dillon (16), and his only granddaughter, Poppi’s Princess Coley (15). 

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church of Afton, NY; more details to follow. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in Steve’s name to the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.