Chuck Barker

John C. “Chuck” Barker, 75, passed away early Saturday morning, Dec. 20, 2025, in the comfort of his own home.

Born in Logansport, Indiana, on Nov. 15, 1950, he was the third of four children of Charles Z. and Wilma Jean (Wicker) Barker, and graduated from Lewis Cass High School, class of 1968. On Dec. 13, 1985, he married Sherry J. (Holcombe) Barker of Hartford City in Boone County, Kentucky.

John was a long-time railroad engineer, primarily for Norfolk Southern. During his time at NS, he served as a union representative and mentor to many younger railroaders. In retirement, he served as the primary caregiver to his wife, Sherry, who suffered from multiple sclerosis. In the 1990s, inspired by his childhood growing up on a farm, John transformed his back lot into a robust garden that provided fresh produce for his family, friends, and neighbors. A true Hoosier, John was passionate about basketball of all levels.

He leaves behind sons: Cory (Rachelle) Barker and their son Hutchison, of State College, Pennsylvania; Kristopher (Laura) Folsom, and their children Kyle, Ashlyn, Gabby, and Everlee of Yuma, Arizona; his siblings: Mark (Carla) Barker of Peru, Indiana; Peg Brown of Galveston, Indiana; and Mary (Mark) Schopper of Brownsburg, Indiana; his sister-in-law: Amy (Dan) Fanning of Upland, Indiana; his best friend: Dale (Karen) McKee of New Castle, Indiana; his grandchildren, Marvin, Jacqui, Gavin, Madison, and Brice; and many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to give special thanks to Brenda Hughes of Hartford City, who cared for John and his wife, Sherry, in their final years, and the team at Southern Care Hospice Services.

John is preceded in death by his mother on Apr. 30, 1985; his father on Jan. 24, 2004; his wife on Nov. 14, 2024; his son, Kevin, on Jul. 29, 2022; and his brother-in-law, Dale Brown, on Oct. 24, 2019.

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