On June 27, 2020, Andrew James Barker passed away from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Virginia Beach. Anyone who knew Andrew would agree with two things—he could be trying at times, and was fiercely loyal to those that he cared about, sometimes to a fault. Andrew's passion knew no bounds, and when he loved something, he immersed himself fully.  He was passionate about his family, friends, motorcycles, and work as a welder.

Born in California, Andrew moved with his family to the Hampton Roads area at a young age, where he grew up and was shaped into the man he became. After serving in the Army, and a short stint of time in California,  Andrew returned to his home in Hampton in search of his next adventure. He spent  time working on a welding certificate while bonding with friends and family.

It was around this time he developed a passion for motorcycles. Despite a near-fatal accident in 2013, Andrew could not stay off a motorcycle. This simple fact illustrates Andrew's character: when he loved something, he immersed himself fully, sometimes stubbornly and frustratingly so. But his love also brought him true joy, a joy so great that Andrew could not envision a life without it.

Nowhere was this more evident than the love he had for his daughter, Mia. Andrew took to fatherhood and worked diligently to develop a life for his family. He discovered and developed  a talent for welding, advancing his career to a position with Power Mechanical Inc in Newport News, VA.

Andrew leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and the trials and tribulations associated with a life fully lived. He is survived by his daughter Mia Roselyn Kearney, mother Shelly Downing, father James Barker, sister Tamara Barker, step-father Charles Downing, step-mother, Tammy Barker, and significant other Lilly Simms.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center on Saunders Rd. in Newport News on July 10. Doors will open at 6PM and the service will begin at 6:30. The family will greet and receive friends following the service at the Center. RSVP: Please RSVP by Wednesday, July 8, 2020. This will assist the family in preparation with both  set and refreshments http://andrewbarker.rsvpify.com

COVID 19

As it relates to COVID 19, Virginia is currently in phase 3. Fortunately the masonic lodge is large and will allow for attendees to practice safe social distancing as they see fit. If you have either recently been exposed to COVID or are experiencing signs of COVID, please stay home. If you are unable to attend, please note that we plan to live stream as much of the celebration of life as possible. We will provide the link to the livestream once it becomes available.

You can find recommended best practices related to COVID 19 here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html