Terry Barker

Terry Craig Barker, 74, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully June 22^nd, 2023. He was born in Indianapolis June 14^th, 1949, to parents Carl D. and Crystal C. (Day) Barker.

Even as a small boy, Terry was a hard worker.  He had numerous paper routes and earned trips to Niagara Falls and the inauguration of John F. Kennedy.  He graduated from Fillmore High School where he excelled in track, basketball, baseball, and cross country.  During summers when he was in high school, he baled hay for farmers and helped construct houses for contractors.  These jobs helped him put himself through college.  While in college he worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.  He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Management from Purdue.  At Purdue he was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity and was a member of the Purdue Rugby Team.  He later received his MBA from Butler University.  After college he worked as a Purchasing Commodity Manager in the Materials Management Organization of Allison Transmission, and after 33 years he retired in 2004.

In August of 1971, Terry married his college sweetheart Priscilla “Jay” Jones. They were married for over 51 years and welcomed five beautiful children into the world. Terry was proud of the fact that he and Jay put five children through college. Terry and Jay spent 42 years as residents of Brownsburg and later moved to the Geist area of Indianapolis.

In 1984 Terry was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  He privately endured brain surgeries, radiation treatments, and chemotherapy treatments.  Even though he had a brain tumor for 39 years, he still fought to enjoy life.  He loved being a father and grandfather and loved cheering for his children and grandchildren at their sporting events.

He is survived by his wife Jay Barker; children Ryan (Jennifer) Barker, Scott (Rozalynne) Barker, Lindsey (John) LaBerge, Robin Vigliano, and Mindy (Ryan) Steipp; grandchildren William Barker, Lexie Barker, Catherine Barker, Jonathan Barker, Caroline Barker, Jack LaBerge, Charlotte LaBerge, Addison Vigliano, Austin Vigliano, Emerson Steipp, and Lincoln Steipp; siblings Rodney (Sue) Barker, Jeffrey (Joanna)Barker, and Deanna (Gene) Weeks.

There will be a memorial service for Terry on Wednesday, July 19 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 575 West Northfield Drive in Brownsburg. There will be visitation from 3-6 with a service at 6.

Memorial donations can be made to the American Brain Tumor Association at www.abta.org