Born May 4, 1953, in Columbus, Garry was the son of Donald Robert and Lillian Isabelle (Burns) Barker. On July 28, 1990, Garry married Jeanette (Harpring) Barker; she survives.
Garry was a 1971 graduate of Columbus High School and attended Indiana State University. He was self-employed as a farmer most of his life, farming in Bartholomew, Jennings, and Decatur counties.
Garry was a faithful member of Grammer Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and clerk of session. He also served on the Rockcreek Township Advisory Board for many years.
He was an avid fan of Indiana University basketball, the Cincinnati Reds, golf, and NASCAR. For many years, he played league basketball and softball in Columbus.
Garry’s passion for basketball led him to coach at Rockcreek Elementary School for 18 years. He was an assistant coach for the boys’ team for three years. He then served as the girls’ head coach for 15 years.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 31 years, Jeanette; his daughter, Katie Hanson and her husband, Aaron, of Columbus; and his son, Aaron Barker and his fiancée, Katie Meier, of Seattle, Washington. He is also survived by a brother, Duane Barker and his wife, Janet, of Columbus; a sister, Marcia Schwering and her husband, Steve, of Rushville; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Isabelle Barker; sister, Beverly Kay Tempest; brother-in-law, Alfred Junior Tempest; and an infant sister, Carol Jean Barker.
The funeral service will be 10:00am Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Myers-Reed Chapel on 25th St., with Rev. Marcus Speer officiating. Burial will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery with a committal service officiated by David Harpring.
Visitation will be from 4-8pm Friday at the funeral home and one hour prior to service time on Saturday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
Please leave a special memory of Garry or condolence for the family at www.Myers-Reed.com.
Myers-Reed Chapel on 25th St. is serving the Barker family.
