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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