BARKER, Austin E. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Austin E. "Buzz" Barker, 76, Attica, died at 1:25 a.m. Saturday Oct 14, 2000 in Woodland Manor Nursing Center, Attica. He was born April 6, 1924 in Yeddo, the s/o Glen C. and Effie E. Simpkins Barker. His first marriages was to Helen Louise Swisher Sept 9, 1949 near Veedersburg. She preceded in death Nov 20, 1966. On September 11, 1971 he married Cynthia Knowles in Attica. She survives. He graduated from Veedersburg HS in 1942 and while serving in the US Army graduated from Military Technical School. He has lived most of life in Attica. During WWII he served as a combat infantryman for 3 years and was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star & Combat Infantryman's Badge. For 20 years, Buzz was in business as a Chrysler-Dodge-Plymouth dealer in Attica, operating Barker Motors. He served in the Indiana General Assembly as a State Rep. from 1963-1973. During this time he chaired the Public Policy Committee, was a ranking member of the Ways & Means Committee, served on the Inter-State Coop Commission in 1973 for two four-year terms as commissioner. Governor Bowen also awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash to Barker. From 1981 until 1998 Barker had his own business as a legislative consultant and lobbyist. Over these years his clients included: Anheuser-Bush; Indiana Judges Association; Assoc of Indiana Prosecuting Attorney's Indiana Sheriff's Association; Little Beverage Company....He was a member of the Veedersburg Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Rotary International; American Legion Post 259 of Williamsport; Disabled American Veterans; veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3318 of Attica; Purple Heart Association; Antelope Club; a Kentucky Colonel, member of the Skyline Club, Indianapolis Press Club and the Columbia Club of Indianapolis. Survivors besides the wife, include: children, Sondra "Soni" Barker and Sharon K. Ward, Julie E. Brady, Ft. Wayne; Charles M. Sims, Libertyville Ill, two brothers, Bob Barker, Veedersburg and Harrell Lee Barker; and a sister, Thelma Wells. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Velma Graves. Gravesite services were at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in Riverside Cemetery, Attica, with Rev. G. Scott Pattison officiating. Services were followed by Masonic Memorial Services and military service. The family then received friends at the Harrison Hills Country Club in Attica, Maus Funeral Home, Attica, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Association of Indiana, 850 N. Meridian St, Suite 203, Indianapolis IN 46204=1108.