More detail on this person: Michael Davis
Barker, 76, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away
Sunday, December 28, 2014, at his home
surrounded by his family. Mike was born in
Evansville, Indiana, on October 28, 1938, the son
of Raleigh D. and Florence V. (Fares) Barker.
Mike was a devoted and loving husband, father,
grandfather and great-grandfather. Mike graduated
from Reitz High School in Evansville, Indiana. He
attended Indiana University in Bloomington,
Indiana where he was active in R.O.T.C., a member
of Beta Theta Pi-Social Fraternity and a trainer
for the Football team, graduating from the Kelly
School of Business. He received a Master's degree
in Business Administration from the University of
Evansville.
Upon graduating from Indiana University, Mike
served his country in the United States Marine
Corps, attaining the rank of Captain. He was a
helicopter pilot and squadron leader during the
Vietnam War. After finishing his tour of duty in
Vietnam, he served as a flight instructor for
future Marine and Navy pilots in Pensacola,
Florida, until his honorable discharge from the
service.
Mike enjoyed a Financial Consulting career with
Smith Barney (Morgan-Stanley) for 39 years,
serving as Vice-president of the Evansville,
Indiana office.
Mike was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church,
Lions Club, Masons (past Master of Lodge #239. ),
Scottish Rite and Shrine, Elks, Eagles, VFW,
American Legion, West side Civitan and President
of the Wabash County Library Foundation.
Mike made his home in Evansville, Indiana before
moving to Mt. Carmel, Illinois. On September 4,
1982, he married Sara "Sally" Johnson. They
enjoyed 32 of marriage until Sally's death on
November 13th, 2014.
After retiring Mike and Sally enjoyed spending
time with family and friends at the "Farm" and
vacationing in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen,
Mexico.
Mike was an avid Indianapolis Colts and Indiana
Basketball and Football fan.
Mike and Sally enjoyed traveling and had visited
China, India, Vietnam, Hong Kong, England, Ireland
and Italy.
The family would like to extend special thanks to
the Hospice and caregivers who cared for him
during his courageous battle with cancer.
Surviving Mike is a Brother, Gary S. Barker and
Wife, Maxine of Indianapolis, Indiana;
Sister-in-law, Patricia "Lynn" Kelly of Mt.
Carmel, Illinois; sons, David S. Barker, Stephen
G. Barker and wife Shari, Michael D. Barker II and
Lisa Carter, all of Evansville, Indiana; Steven J.
Johnson and wife Mary of Houston, Texas, Mark F.
Johnson and wife Shelby of Evansville, Indiana,
Jeffery W. Johnson and wife Melissa of San
Antonio, Texas, S. Pete Johnson and wife Sherry of
Mt. Carmel, Illinois; Grandchildren John David,
Christopher, Stephanie, Alex, Jasmine, Merrick,
Jake, Kirk, Madalyn, Travis, Peter, Sally and
Brooke; and five Great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents and wife,
Sally.
Visitation for Mike will be Friday, January 2,
2015, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Cunningham
Funeral Home, 403 N. Cherry Street, Mt. Carmel,
Illinois. A Masonic service will begin at 7:00
p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, January 3,
2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church,
5th and Chestnut Streets, Mt. Carmel, Illinois,
with burial at St. Mary's Cemetery with military
honors.
Memorials can be made to St. Mary's School in
care of Short-Cunningham Funeral Home, 527 N.
Mulberry Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois 62863.
Condolences may be made online at
www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to
serve the Barker family.
Published in Courier Press on Dec. 30, 2014
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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