Keith Wayne Barker

     On December 26th, 2024, Keith Barker passed away at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. He succumbed to aggressive pancreatic cancer, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Oklahoma City on March 28th, 1973, Keith was a deeply faithful and loving man. He is now at peace, with his mother, Kathleen. We take comfort in knowing that Keith earned his place beside her in Heaven through his innumerable selfless acts and ceaseless outpouring of love for his family and friends. 

     Keith was a master craftsman, an accomplished Jack of all trades, and a hobbyist with many interests. His master crafts included carpentry, drawing, sculpting, painting, and drafting. He was highly skilled in areas of mathematics, architecture, electrical engineering, tiling, landscaping, cooking, and everything else that would be useful in handcrafting a house into a home. His casual hobbies ranged from playing disc golf every weekend, watching OU win football games with his brother, Johnny, tinkering with electronics, camping and fishing, winning at billiards, spending quality time with his children and grandchildren, solving puzzles and games, mindfully repurposing crafting materials, and verbal quizzing and debating, to staying well-informed of current events and cultural shifts. His perception of the world was that of a genius. He poured love into everyone he met, and received it with a vulnerability that drew those most in need of love to him. He was a patient teacher and a protector to all children and animals, while exemplifying that taking risks and enjoying thrills promotes life and laughter. Keith was a jokester who shined his playful light on all who would receive it. 

     Keith served in the U.S. armed forces. He was preceded in death by his mother Kathleen in the December of 2013. He is survived by his partner Shayla Cone; her son, Tyler James and his wife, Tori, with their children, Payzleigh and Primzleigh; and her daughter, Rian. Keith is survived by his four adult children: daughter and son-in-law, Bryanna and Justin Quiett; daughter and son-in-law, Nina and Jon Jones; son, Nathan Knowlton; daughter, Johnna Barker, and her partner Mathew Floyd. He is survived by his most beloved treasures, his five grandchildren: Jozlen Grace, Freja Kathleen, Carter Lane, Bjorn Koser, and Ash Lee Michael. Keith is further survived by his loyal brother and sister-in-law, Johnny and Cheri Merkel, and his aunts, Diane and Gloria, of California. Keith’s lifelong friends include Nina and “Nate Dog’s” mother, Peggy, Leland Grant Selby, Antonio Roberto Enriquez, Shane Smith, and too many more to name. 

     Above all, please remember Keith as an artist. He loved all forms of artistic expression. In lieu of flowers, please donate art supplies to your local children’s hospital in Keith’s name.