Johnie M. Barker

Johnie M. Barker, 81 of Edinburgh crossed over on Monday, May 24th. He was at home surrounded by family.

He was born in Adair County, Kentucky on July 5th, 1939 to Arthur Lee and Ollie Mae Barker. He often joked that he was really born on July 4th, but his mother, sensing greatness and not wanting to take anything away from the holiday, just told everyone that his birthday was July 5th.

He leaves behind his wife, Debby Barker, children Jennifer (Cameron) Greenwood, Johnna Barker, Kim (Shannon) McMahon, Donna Jo Luzzi, Ray Froedge, Larry Barker, Lisa Barker, Amanda (Nathan) Goen, Tonya Stough, and Jeremy Betz. Brother, Calvin Barker, and Sister Sally Barker.

He served 5 years active duty in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany three times following the war. At one time, Elvis Presley was lucky enough to be stationed there where he was. Johnie then went on to serve in the National Guard for 30 years before retiring. He held the rank of First Sergeant (E8). He also retired from Cummins after 32 years where he was also a Shop Steward.

He was a great provider, a great responsibility taker in a generation where there are very few of them. He picked up other people’s responsibilities. He was a legend.

He was a papaw to many, often giving kids a place to stay when they needed it. Eastside Elementary School opened in 1967 and he had a child enrolled there every year for 32 years. He was a foster parent for many years where he provided homes to countless area children. He helped raise his grandchildren, Evan, Georgia, McKenzie, Seth, and Joseph.

He helped many people buy their first home and often helped people buy cars. He was extremely frugal in the things that mattered least so he could be extremely generous in the things that matter the most.

Any outstanding loans can be made payable to the Edinburgh Apostolic Tabernacle Sunday School Department.

He had a strong faith in Jesus. He repented of His sins, was baptized in Jesus Name and filled with the Holy Ghost according to the Word of God. He served God and the church faithfully and enjoyed being the lock up man at church.

He loved playing Rook with his family and friends. He was a good player but considered it a source of great consternation that his son in law was a better player than he was.

He made sure that all his children and grandchildren knew when the Gettysburg Address took place. In case you don’t know when that was, it was November 19th, 1863. He also loved taking them on long walks down the railroad track where he loved smashing pennies. We were so shocked that he would waste money like that.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Verlon , Arlon, Donald, Orlie , Marvin, and sisters Delcie Branigan, Velma Keller, Verda Lovett, and Kathy King. First Wife, Donna Mae (Edwards) Barker, Second Wife, Freida (Luttrell) Barker. He was also preceded by two sons, J.D. and Johnny.

Services will be held at Edinburgh Apostolic Tabernacle in Edinburgh with Revs. Mark Myers and Nathan Goen officiating. Viewing will be held Friday from 4-8, and the funeral will be Saturday at 1pm, with a viewing from 11 until time of service, with a graveside service and military honors to follow.

Arrangements made by Eskew-Eaton Funeral Home in Edinburgh, Indiana.