Dawn Barksdale

Fishers, Indiana – Dawn Barksdale, 64, went home to Jesus on September 2, 2025. Her caring heart and giving nature will be missed by all who were lucky enough to call her friend.

Dawn was born on August 26, 1961, to parents Eugene and Artis (Stokes) Barksdale in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She graduated from Fort Wayne Southside High School in 1979 and went on to work for Aetna Life Insurance for over 25 years. After she “retired” from Etna, she went on to work for the VA as a claims representative.

When she wasn’t at work, Dawn celebrated life with travel and adventure. An excellent swimmer, she enjoyed camping and white water rafting at every opportunity. She also loved jazz, spending her time relaxing to it and even playing the piano for several years. Dawn had a deep love for movies as well, wanting to be a director when she was younger. She even filmed a family masterpiece, “The Gap Murders” with her sisters.

More than anything, Dawn was dedicated to her family and friends. A discerning woman, Dawn kept a close circle of people she would do anything for. She would welcome anyone into her home; her nieces and nephews treated more like children than distant relations.

In addition to her mother, Dawn is preceded in death by her brother, Michael Barksdale.

Dawn is survived by her daughter Maranda Barksdale, father Eugene Barksdale, son Michael C. Barksdale, siblings Lisa Barksdale and Kimberle Lewis (Floyd III), sister-in-law Kelly Barksdale, and many grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 11 am to 1pm at Flanner Buchanan – Geist (7855 Cork Road, Indianapolis, 46236). Funeral services will follow at 1 pm.