Dr. John D. Harker Honored for 13 Years of Dedicated Service

BCREMC Board President Curt Burbrink (right) congratulates Dr. Harker (left) on his 13 years of service to the BCREMC board. Photo credit: BCREMC, submitted.

Bartholomew County REMC extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. John D. Harker as he retires from the board of directors after 13 years of dedicated service, including his role as vice president. Dr. Harker has been an integral part of our leadership since January 2012, bringing professionalism, wisdom, and a deep commitment to cooperative values.

Throughout his tenure, he achieved the Credentialed Cooperative Director certification, the Board Leadership Certificate, and the prestigious Director Gold credential. Dr. Harker’s roots run deep in our region. Born and raised in Shelby County, he has called Hope home for 52 years. After graduating with honors from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1971, he practiced in New Mexico before returning to Indiana in 1973 to build a family and a successful dental practice. His service to the dental profession has been recognized through numerous honors, including Fellowship, Mastership, and Emeritus awards from the Academy of General Dentistry.

A long-time community leader, Dr. Harker has served 31 years on the Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Board and has been a lifelong member of Hope Moravian Church. Alongside his wife of 58 years, Barbara, he owns and operates a farm on the east edge of Hope with their sons and grandchildren, raising Simmental and SimAngus cattle and supporting FFA and 4-H youth programs.

We extend our sincere gratitude for his exceptional contributions to BCREMC and wish him all the very best in his well-earned retirement.