Burl Gene Barker, age 85, of KY 801 North, Morehead, Kentucky, passed away at Baptist Health Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, on Thursday morning, July 6, 2023, surrounded by his five loving children.

Gene was born at home up a holler in Waverly, Ohio, on July 17, 1937, the youngest of three sons of the late Audrey Fraley and Kenneth Barker. He was preceded in death by devoted grandparents, Amos and Hellen Fraley who sacrificially raised him. Preceded also in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Alberta June Whitt Barker; an infant son, Edwin Gene Barker; granddaughter, Megan Renee Kendall and deeply loved grandson, Jonathan Brock.

Gene is survived by his loving children: Belinda (Gary) Kendall of Olathe, Kansas; Rhonda (Scott) Green Anderson, Indiana, Robin (David) Pollitte; Brigette (Bill) Brock and Chris Barker, all of Morehead.  Also he is survived by his happily spoiled grandchildren: Kristen Kendall of Oahu, Hawaii; Jeremy (Jesi) Kendall of Olathe, Kansas; Luke Kendall of Newport, California; Alysa (Nick) Villelli of Lexington, Kentucky; Christopher (Janelle) Green and Lauria (Mason) Webb of Indianapolis, Indiana; Kayli (Brant) Clatterbuck of Asheville, North Carolina; Brianna (Paige) Hurst of Morehead; Brandon (Jessica) Brock of Mount Sterling; and his great grandchildren: Annalee and Zeke Brock; Landon, Morgan and Evelyn Kendall; Maya and Kami Clatterbuck; Raelyn Hurst; Grace Green; Erickson and Henry Villelli.

Gene is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who knew Gene and Alberta as loving family whose home was always open to them. As well as a community of racers who became family and a multitude of friends.

He met Alberta in 1954 and they married on September 8, 1956, residing in Sandy Hook, Kentucky.

They shared a passion for the sport of drag racing and began racing as a hobby in 1955 in Portsmouth, OH. Then continued in Clay City, KY most every weekend. Soon they turned their passion for drag racing into an exciting venture and life for their family, beginning with the leasing of Mt. Park Dragway in Clay City, KY in 1967.

Gene and Alberta moved to Morehead in 1968 to raise their family, accompanied by Alberta's mother, (Granny) Elsie Whitt. Gene transitioned from East KY Paving Company for a new business venture, Morehead Speed Shop.

They owned/operated multiple International/National Hot Rod Association racing facilities: Mt. Park Dragway in Clay City, KY; Bluegrass Dragway, Nicholasville, KY; Tri-State Dragway, Hamilton, OH; Bristol Dragway, Bristol, TN; Knoxville Dragway, Knoxville, TN; Lake Cumberland Dragway, Jamestown, KY; and Bluegrass Raceway Park, Owingsville, KY. Within this business model, their children and grandchildren learned the art of hard work and integrity by participating as employees and partners.

A few of the awards that Gene and Alberta shared in their career included IHRA Track Operator of the Year 1975, IHRA Track of the Year 1980, IHRA Man of the Year 1987, and IHRA Promoter of the Year 1992. Gene and Alberta were inducted into the Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame, Class of 2011.

Other interests included repairing motorized vehicles, managing businesses, fishing, shooting pool, playing poker and gathering with his family.

Gene's grandfather Amos had instilled in him an incredible work ethic which Gene modeled and passed on to countless young men. He provided many opportunities and encouragement to them.

After retiring, his greatest joy was serving as Crew Chief for his son Chris and racing partner Chris Johnson and Christi Johnson. He enjoyed traveling throughout the country continuing to live his drag racing dream.

Gene was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend to all who met him. Gene was a compassionate man, rescuer of all hurting animals and people. He was an extremely generous and loving man. He had a strong and passionate love for his family.

A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pastors Belinda and Gary Kendall officiating. For those who prefer to participate virtually, the service will be live streamed at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Facebook page beginning at 11 a.m.

Graveside service and interment will follow in Brown Cemetery in Morehead, KY.

Pallbearers will be Chris Barker, David Pollitte, Bill Brock, Jeremy Kendall, Luke Kendall, Nick Villelli, Mason Webb, Chris Green, Brant Clatterbuck, Brandon Brock, Landon Kendall, Zeke Brock (honoring Jonathan Brock), Erickson Villelli, and Henry Villelli.

All are invited to offer love and support at the visitation on Monday, July 10, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Godspeed Maternity Home, Morehead, KY, godspeedky.org or LoveKC, Olathe,KS LoveKC.net/donate are suggested.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com