COLUMBIA CITY — The Community Foundation of Whitley County now holds an endowed scholarship created in memory of Brody Barker, who passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. His body drew its final breath on Friday, March 3, 2023, and he gave gifts as a donor to help others continue on with their lives.
The son of Lloyd Barker and Michelle Dailey, Brody grew up in Columbia City where he loved to make people smile and laugh. He played football while attending Columbia City High School but academics came first. Those who knew him say he excelled as a math genius, and say Brody had a genuine thirst for knowledge and a need to know why.
He was involved in several academic clubs. After graduating with the Class of 2022, Brody attended Purdue Fort Wayne with aspirations of becoming a mechanical engineer.
“Above all, Brody had great love for his family, girlfriend and friends. He was caring, compassionate, and respectful,” reads a recent press release from the Community Foundation.
Determined to remember her son’s gifts, while also helping others, Michelle reached out to the Community Foundation for assistance in shaping the Brody Barker Memorial Mathematics Scholarship.
It will be awarded to a graduating senior from Columbia City High School who has taken Calculus and will be going to college for a degree in math or a career path in math. Brody’s high school math teacher, Beth Andonian will work closely with Brody’s family to recommend the recipient of the scholarship. It will be awarded to a student who was in football or another high school sport and possesses characteristics of being well-rounded, caring, motivated and inclusive of others, all reflective of Brody’s nature.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the scholarship may send tax-deductible contributions to the Community Foundation at 400 N. Whitley Street, Columbia City, IN 46725.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.