David A. Barrickman, age 75, passed away peacefully April 16, 2023 at his farm, known as Wildflower Ridge honey, in Anderson, with his loving family at his side.
He was born on July 14, 1947, in Noblesville, to Mary and Wallace Barrickman, who proceeded him in death. He grew up in Cicero and was a part of the last graduating class of Jackson Central High School.
As a young man, David served our country in the Army National Guard. He worked at Delco Remy in Anderson where he became a stationary engineer in the powerhouse and retired in 1996.
David, or “Bear” as he was known to many, was a grass roots member of ABATE of Indiana, Region 11 and Northern State Director from 1982-1992. He was instrumental in starting Motorcycle Rider Safety courses and raised money for the non-profits by organizing membership and events.
David had an immense number of skills and hobbies which included motorcycle riding, gardening, engineering, camping, hunting, gun collecting, listening to Willie Nelson music, welding, raising cattle and sheep, but his most passionate hobby resided in beekeeping. He was a 4th generation beekeeper, the founder and owner of Wildflower Ridge Honey, an Indiana Artisan, and many people knew him as the “Bee man” or “Bear.” He served as the president of the Indiana Beekeepers Association, and he was a proud lifetime member of the NRA.
David is survived by his two children: Jenna (Tony) Majors of Cicero, Travis Barrickman of Noblesville, and stepson Garth (Brooke) Lindner of Brownsburg. Also surviving him are his siblings: Margaret Armstrong, Noblesville, IN; Becky Denham, Pine Island, FL; Tom Barrickman, Brewton, AL; Bonnie Sharp, Atlanta, IN; and Kathleen (Jim) Haddock, Westfield, IN.
David’s pride and joy were his grandchildren Skyler Majors and Kayla (Darren) Schaefer, Jesse, Alexander, James & AdleyBarrickman, Ella and Alden Lindner, and great grandson, Callum Schaefer, that he loved, mentored, and enjoyed greatly.
David always had a way of making everyone feel special and welcome. He will be sorely missed by many loyal customers at the farmers markets and by his family that is continuing to carry on his legacy with the honey business.
The visitation will be held at the Arcadia Christian Church 26901 State Road 19 Arcadia, IN 46030 on Wednesday, April19th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Services will be held at Arcadia Christian Church, Thursday, April 20th at 10:00 a.m. with the burial to follow immediately at the Cicero Cemetery. Services will be led by JR Moffat featuring guest speakers of Steve “Papaw” Pyatte of Survivor Speakout and Steve Doty of the East Central Indiana Beekeepers Association.
Hartley Funeral Home Cicero Chapel is entrusted with Mr. Barrickman’s care and where you may leave condolences at www.hartleyfuneralhomes.com.
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