Ernest V Barker, 94, of Muncie, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Sugar Fork Crossing Assisted Living in Anderson, Indiana.  He was born on July 25, 1930, in Haldeman, Kentucky, to the late Walter and Cosy (Withrow) Barker.

Ernest moved to Muncie at the age of 17 and spent nearly two decades working at the Muncie Malleable. He later worked for Fouch and Moser Construction before retiring from General Motors. Even in retirement, Ernest stayed busy. Alongside his good friends, he provided shrub trimming and lawn care, installed windows, built decks, poured driveways, and more—continuing this work until the age of 83. In his later years, he focused on a few loyal clients, providing shrub trimming and lawn care services.

A man of deep faith, Ernest was a devoted member of True Light Baptist Church in Muncie for more than 60 years. He loved his church and pastor deeply and served faithfully in a variety of roles over the years.

He is survived by his children: Mike Barker (Tela) of Pendleton, IN; Debbie Swanson (Matt) of West Palm Beach, FL; and Wayne Barker (Vicki) of Fort Wayne, IN; his sister, Wilma Lewis of Morehead, KY; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Ernest was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Janis F. Barker; his parents; his daughter-in-law, Ingrid Barker; his brothers: John Paul Barker, Troy Barker, and Robert Barker; and his sisters: Hazel Potts, Jean Patrick, Evelyn May, and Faye Hinton.

The Barker family is especially grateful for the compassionate care Ernest received at Sugar Fork Crossing. Ernest never missed an opportunity to thank the staff—and he meant every word.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 4:00 pm til 7:00 pm at Garden View Funeral Home at 10501 N State Road 3, Muncie, IN. Friends and family may also visit for one hour prior to the funeral service. The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025  at 1:00 pm at True Light Baptist Church, 805 North Country Club Road, Muncie, IN  47303 with Pastor Dennis Trimble and Mike Barker officiating.  Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting gardenofmemory-muncie.com.