Donald Barker

Donald Keith Barker, 94, passed peacefully in the early morning of February 19, 2024, at his home in Carmel, Indiana, surrounded by his family and is reunited with the love of his life since age 15. 

He was born December 4, 1929, in Sheridan, Indiana, to Edward H. Barker & Daryl Seeright Barker who predecease him. 

Growing up on a farm outside Sheridan, he helped with many farm chores as a young boy, including assisting his dad with a Saturday food route delivering eggs, garden vegetables, fresh cream, etc. from their farm to a few streets near 38th & Michigan Rd. in Indianapolis. While in high school, his part-time jobs included being a farm hand for his sister's husband, Morris Padgett; Hick's Body Co., Lebanon; Firestone, Noblesville; Biddle’s, Sheridan; and occasionally driving a semi hauling hay & straw. 

He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1948 and was employed by GM Delco Remy in Anderson where he worked 48 years until his retirement in 1996. At 22 he was drafted and served in the Army until his discharge 3/16/53. While employed at Delco he also worked 25 years part-time for Carmel Concrete Products.

While in the Army, he married his high school sweetheart, Caroline Spidel Barker, July 6, 1952, and they were married 65 years until her passing July 2, 2017. Donald and Caroline lived most of their lives together in Sheridan before moving to Carmel in 1985. 

His greatest joy was his family and all of his grandchildren. For many years every Sunday, Don and Caroline made a special lunch for their entire family and often dear friends were included who became family - always eager to spread their love and share a delicious meal. They had a lifelong, cherished family tradition of vacationing with their entire family in Siesta Key, Florida, at Thanksgiving. 

Donald was proud of being baptized and becoming a member of East 91st Street Christian Church in 1987. 

He is survived by his three children: Vicki Gastineau (Gary), Scott Barker (Amy), and Jennifer McNair (Jim). Grandchildren: Erika Meredith (David Wang), Travis McNair, Joel Barker (Nancy), Michael Gastineau (Brett Heil), Nick Barker (Alicia), Samantha Gosser (Aaron), Evan McNair, Gabrielle McNair, Collin McNair (Kaylen Schenkel), Yvonne Bell (Trey). Great-grandchildren: Addison & Oakley Wang; Lylah, Grace, Norah, Noel, Caroline, Ross & Jane Barker; Zeke, Thad, Barrett & Maverick Barker; Liliana & Madison Gosser; Alesandro Jaxson McNair; Dameon, Desmond, Nick & Dominique Hardy and Deylon & Davonna Bell; Anyla Schenkel; and two great-grandchildren expected soon. Great-great-grandchildren: DJ & Tayla McNair.  

Donald is also survived by a niece and several nephews, extended family and dear friends. 

He was preceded in death by his five brothers and sisters: Eugene Barker (Virginia), Evelyn Padgett (Morris), Doyle Barker (Erma), Vivian Smiley (Albert) & Ivan Barker. Also predeceased by grandson, James McNair. 

Visitation will be Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 10 a.m. until the Funeral service at 12 noon at Flanner & Buchanan, 325 E. Carmel Drive, Carmel. Burial to follow at Crown View Cemetery, Sheridan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sheridan First Christian Church, 107 W. 3rd Street, Sheridan, IN 46069; or to the Sheridan Historical Society, 315 S. Main Street, Sheridan, IN 46069.