Roger Dale Barker, 77, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, surrounded by his loving family.

 Roger was born on December 22, 1948, in Jennings County, Indiana, to Woodrow and Dorothy Barker. He graduated from Jennings County High School in 1967 and earned a degree in Business Management and Administration from Indiana University in 1971.

 Roger married the love of his life, Lorraine Schwade, in 1972. Together they built a life centered on family, laughter, and making memories. They welcomed their daughter, Erica, and later, Roger embraced his favorite role of all, becoming "Papaw" to his grandson, Chase VanLinden.

 Roger proudly served six years in the National Guard before beginning a successful career in outdoor power equipment sales. He worked as a sales representative for Midwest Equipment and Supply from July 1977 until January 1990 before joining Simplicity Manufacturing, where he remained until his retirement in 2008. He was proud of the career he built, the relationships he made, and the reputation he earned through hard work and integrity.

 Roger was a true sports enthusiast. He enjoyed racquetball, bowling, tennis, and even completed half marathons, but golf was always his greatest passion. During his working years, weekends were spent on the golf course, and after retirement he played several days a week whenever he could. From 1988 through 2013, he looked forward to his annual golf trips, creating friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime.

 When he wasn't golfing, Roger enjoyed cheering on Indiana University athletics. Whether it was IU basketball, IU football, or nearly any college sporting event, he was happy to settle in and watch the game.

 Roger also appreciated the simple pleasures in life: a perfectly cooked steak, a Crown and Diet Coke, a trip to the casino, and good company. Some of his favorite days were spent golfing 18 holes with his brother Norman before getting cleaned up and heading to the riverboat casino together.

 He was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose.

 Roger believed life was meant to be enjoyed and was often guilty of having a damn good time. His quick wit, sense of humor, and ability to make people laugh left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. One set of lyrics captured his outlook on life:

"Somebody gotta shake things up, somebody gotta shut things down, somebody gotta strike a match, break the ice and buy the first round."

 Above all else, Roger was proud to be a husband, a father, and a Papaw. Those who knew him best know that his greatest accomplishments were not found in his career or on the golf course, but in the love he had for his family.

 Nothing brought Roger greater joy than being Papaw to Chase. Whether they were sharing stories, spending time together, or simply enjoying each other's company, those moments meant the world to him. Chase was one of Roger's greatest sources of pride, and the bond they shared was one he cherished deeply.

 Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Lorraine Barker; his daughter, Erica Barker; his grandson, Chase VanLinden; his brother, Billy Barker; his sister, Pauline Brooks; his brother, Terry Barker; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Dorothy Barker; his brothers, Norman Barker and Earnest Barker; and his sister, Ireva Barker.

 The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and staff of Our Hospice of South Central Indiana for the compassion, dignity, and exceptional care they provided to Roger and his family during his final days.

 In keeping with Roger's wishes, there will be no traditional funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, where family and friends can gather to share stories, laughter, and memories in the spirit of the man they loved.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

 Roger lived a full life, loved deeply, laughed often, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy the people around him. Though he will be greatly missed, his family finds comfort knowing that every time a golf ball finds the fairway, a Crown and Diet Coke is raised among friends, or a story that starts with, "Remember when Roger..." is told, a part of him lives on.