Duane Eugene Barker

Duane Eugene Barker, 74, of Columbus, passed away Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Willow Crossing Health and Rehabilitation. Duane was born in Columbus, IN on May 12, 1949, to Donald Robert Barker and Lillian Isabelle Burns Barker. He married Janet Christine Carpenter on April 12, 1969. Duane grew up on a farm in Grammer and was a graduate of Columbus High School where he was an active FFA member and received the Chapter Star Farmer Award. After high school, Duane enlisted in the Navy and served in Vietnam. After proudly serving his country, Duane worked at Cummins Engine Company and retired after 31 years of service. After retirement, he drove a school bus for several years for Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corporation. Duane was an avid Purdue fan and sports enthusiast, he refereed NCAA basketball and IHSAA basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and football. He was the past Athletic Director at Rockcreek Elementary School, where he coached basketball and youth baseball. Duane was a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 18, 2023, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church with Father Chris Wadelton officiating. Calling hours will be from 9 a.m. until service time Monday at the church. Burial will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery with military honors performed by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association or Parkinson’s Foundation through the funeral home. Survivors include his wife, Janet Barker; children, Patrick (Joan) Barker of Liberty Township, OH, Kimberley (David) Rayburn of Columbus, IN, Duane Matthew (Melissa) Barker of Floyds Knobs, IN; sister, Marcia (Steve) Schwering of Rushville, IN, and 9 granddaughters. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Isabelle Barker; brother, Garry Lynn Barker; sister, Beverly Kay Tempest and infant sister, Carol Jean Barker. Arrangements were entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.