James Barker
Age - 90
December 4, 2023
James "Philip" Barker, age 90, from Bloomington, Indiana, passed away at his home on December 2, 2023, following a short battle with cancer. He was born in Bloomington on July 20, 1933, to Calvin Amos Barker and Susie Smith. He graduated from Spencer High School, and after his sophomore year at Purdue University enlisted in the Navy in hopes of becoming a pilot. He was stationed in Hutchinson, Kansas for three years and then returned to Purdue to earn a degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1959.
Following graduation Phil farmed the family farm where he was raised. He worked for a short time at Sarkes Tarzian and retired from a long career at Crane Naval Base in 1988.
Philip and his wife, Jane, attended Mt. Pleasant Church of Christ. He was a dedicated servant and ambassador for Christ, helping lead others to Jesus even in his nineties. He had a passion for aviation, and was an avid farmer, perhaps best remembered for the Barker Berry Patch.
Philip loved his family as much as he was loved by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Lillie "Jane" (Polley) Barker, children, Linda Cage (John), Paul Barker (Karen), and Bruce Barker (Amanda), grandchildren, Logan Cage (Jamie), Ian Cage (Lanae), Leah Anderson (Will), Jordan Spetter (Alex), Abbey Morris (Jake), Emily Barker, Lauren Barker, Jake Barker, Sam Barker, Alannah Stout, and Jet Truitt, great-grandchildren, Gannon Cage, Hunter Cage, Ivy Cage, Lillie Anderson, Fletcher Anderson, Naomi Cage, and Victoria Cage, two nieces, and one nephew.
Philip was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Marjorie McCormick, Charles Barker and Benton Barker.
Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, December 7, 2023 and from 11:00 AM until noon on Friday at The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard, 3000 E. Third Street Bloomington, Indiana.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday at The Funeral Chapel, with burial to follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens in Bloomington.
Memories of Philip and online condolences may be shared at www. thefuneralchapel. netShow more