COLUMBUS, Ind. — Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. board members have unanimously approved a permanent memorial for the late Garry Barker, a coach who worked on behalf of students for 18 years.
After workers replace the hardwood inside Rockcreek Elementary School’s gymnasium, it will be dedicated as the Garry Barker Memorial Floor.
“Rockcreek was more than a basketball team for Garry,” school principal Jennifer Dettmer said. “It was truly a home and a passion for helping students succeed.
Garry Lynn Barker (May 4, 1953 –Sept. 26, 2021) was a successful farmer who owned or leased agricultural fields in Bartholomew, Jennings and Decatur counties.
It was Barker’s passion for basketball that prompted him to start coaching at Rockcreek, Dettmer said. He was assistant coach for the boys’ team for three years before becoming the girls’ head coach for 15 years.
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Republic.
