PHILLIPS – William “Ben” E. Barker, 45, of Phillips, passed on Wednesday, Aug. 11, peacefully with family and friends by his side.

He was born Sept. 4, 1958, in Farmington, a son of the late Elwin “Pete” L. and Arlene E. (Brown) Barker.

He graduated from Mt. Abram High School in the class of 1977. He married Jennifer S. Stevens, Aug. 15, 1981, in Phillips.

He worked for Forsters Manufacturing Co. from 1981 to 1995 in the warehouse as a forklift driver. “Ben” was very active in helping with the transferring of food from Wilton to the food pantry, until poor health forced him to retire.

He enjoyed four-wheeling, working his local trash route for the town of Phillips, fishing, camping, playing pool, spending time with his family and close friends.

He was a member of the Narrow Gauge Riders ATV Club in Phillips.

In addition to his wife, Jennifer, of 23 years he is survived by son, William Elwin Barker, of Avon; daughers, Jennifer Lynn Bachelder, of Avon, Abbie Elizabeth Barker, of North Anson, Betsy Sue Barker, of Phillips; grandchildren, Elizabeth Barker, of North Anson, Tristan Bachelder, of North Anson, Sasha Bolens, of Avon, Samantha Bachelder, of Avon; sisters, Chiquita Swiney, of Phillips, Wendy Lovejoy, of Phillips, Naomi Oliver, of Temple, Terry Turner, of Norway, Melanie Toothaker, of Phillips, Lozenie Greenough, of Temple; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.