George Barker

George Barker’s induction into the Crossmen Hall of Fame recognizes his extraordinary dedication, generosity, and foundational service as one of the earliest and most devoted volunteers in the history of the corps.

George’s involvement began before the Crossmen name existed. He first volunteered with the 507 Hornets and their feeder corps, The Stingers, giving his time and energy to support young performers and the organizations that helped shape the future of the Crossmen. When the Crossmen were established in 1974 through the merger of the 507 Hornets and Keystone Regiment, George was there from the beginning, supporting the effort to create a new corps capable of becoming a force in the drum corps activity.

As one of the founding volunteers of the Crossmen, George traveled with the corps wherever they went. He was the kind of person every organization hopes to have — dependable, generous, resourceful, and willing to do whatever needed to be done. Whether driving a vehicle, loading and unloading equipment, locating uniform accessories, repairing a piece of equipment, or solving the countless small problems that arise on the road, George was always ready.

Black tape, screwdrivers, nuts, and bolts were never far from his reach. If something broke, George fixed it. If something was missing, George found it. If someone needed help, George was there. He even assisted chaperones in keeping members hydrated during parades, walking alongside the corps to make sure the kids were cared for. He rarely took a break, even when one was well deserved.

George’s generosity extended far beyond the official duties of a volunteer. If a member needed a ride to or from practice, George provided it. If someone needed a few dollars for lunch, George quietly helped. His kindness and selflessness were evident in everything he did. As a single father working full time, George still found time to support the corps and serve his community. His commitment was not casual. It was part of who he was.

Only one thing could keep George from traveling with the Crossmen: a heart attack.

In 1977, the corps set out on a long western tour, and George was unable to make the trip. It was the first time he did not travel with the drum corps, and his absence was deeply felt. A few days later, while on his way to work, George suffered a heart attack. Not wanting to bother anyone, he turned around and drove himself home. Eventually, he allowed his brother to take him to the hospital.

George spent several weeks there and was able to watch DCI Finals and his beloved Crossmen on PBS from his hospital bed. When the corps returned from Denver, many members and supporters went to visit him. The following week, the Crossmen had a show in North Jersey. As the corps came off the field, George’s daughter Sue was met by her sister and the Robinsons with the devastating news that her father had passed away on the very day he was expected to come home from the hospital. George was only 47 years old.

Many words describe George Barker: dedicated, generous, kind, understanding, humble, and loyal. He welcomed everyone and treated people equally. His presence made members feel cared for, supported, and safe. His example showed others what true volunteerism looked like.

George’s passion for the activity and devotion to the Crossmen helped inspire others to give their time, energy, and hearts to the corps in the decades that followed. Though his life was cut far too short, his impact remains part of the foundation upon which the Crossmen were built.

For his service with the 507 Hornets, The Stingers, and the earliest years of the Crossmen; his tireless work as a founding volunteer; his generosity toward members; his devotion to the corps on and off the road; and the lasting example he set for generations of Crossmen volunteers, we proudly honor George Barker as a member of the Crossmen Hall of Fame Class of 2022.