Claude B. Barker, 94, of Ladoga passed away June 6, 2026, at Countryside Meadows in Avon. Claude was born Oct. 3, 1931, in Sullivan, Indiana, to Claude and Maybelle (Wolfe) Barker.
He was a 1949 graduate of Bruceville High School. Claude served honorably in the United States Air Force before returning to begin his working career, that included time with Montgomery Wards, Swisher/Swank and ultimately the founding of Barker Excavation/Barker Rentals.
Claude (and Audrey) were long-time members of the Church of Christ (Englewood Avenue) in Crawfordsville. They loved to travel North America together, concentrating on the mountains of Wyoming and lighthouses in Maine while creating volumes of photographic history.
Claude raced dirt cars, flew his private airplane, and rode snowmobiles thousands of miles.
With his love of racing, he served for almost 40 years as a Gold Badge/Yellow Shirt at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway where he got to meet many Indy drivers. He also loved to show off his custom 39 Ford roadster at local car shows, including his yearly event at Old Normal (Ladoga) where he served as a board member.
Claude’s real happiness and pride was his family. The last half of his life he dedicated to supporting and following the many (and varied) activities of first his kids, and then the grandkids, followed up by the great-grandkids ... football, basketball, volleyball, softball, band, dance ... you name it, he was there.
Claude is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Audrey (Phillippe) Barker; children, Linda
(Larry) Canada, Terry (Juli) Barker, Tim (Kim) Barker and Lori (Marsha Ryker) Barker;
five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Malcolm and Charles Barker.
Funeral services for Claude will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 13 at Servies Funeral and Cremation Service, 203 N. Washington St., Ladoga. Immediately following the funeral service, he will be laid to rest at Ladoga Cemetery with military honors. Claude’s family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the funeral home.
