Anthony "Tony" Laker

Anthony R “Tony” Laker, 97, died peacefully Friday, January 6, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on February 20, 1925, in Indianapolis to Anthony Joseph and Gertrude (Hill) Laker.

Tony grew up in the Sacred Heart neighborhood where he attended Sacred Heart School for 12 years and was the captain of the basketball team.

Tony heard the call to serve his county during WWII and joined the Navy from 1943 -1946.

Tony married Dorothy “Dottie” Young at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on December 2, 1950; she died October 22, 1999. 

Tony was a union painter for Allison Transmission and General Motors.  He was the former co-owner of Volrath Tavern in the Sacred Heart neighborhood.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus # 3660.  Tony enjoyed fishing and gardening.  He loved listening to Big Band music and Rosemary Clooney.  His greatest joy was hanging out with his family and neighbors.

Tony is survived by his second wife Donna Copeland Laker, his children Barbara (Russell) Osborne, Russell “Rusty” (Vickie) Laker, Phil (Barb) Laker, Anthony “Andy” (Dawn) Laker, Jennifer (Nicholas) Hillan, step children Kevin (Nancy) Copeland, Elaine (Leonard) Wall, Anita (Tony) Carver, Daryl (Erica) Copland, daughter in law Paula Laker, grandchildren Chad Laker, Corey Long, Nicholas Long, Samantha Baker, Stephanie Thomsen, Grant Hillan, Bryce Hillan, Jennifer Davenport, Scott Hege, Chris Hege, Pat Hege, Kasey Sauter and Jerry Hege and 23 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy Laker, son Daniel Laker, stepson Chris Copeland, siblings Gertrude Fox, Everett Laker, Delores Niedenthal, Arthur Laker, Richard Laker and Raymond Laker.

Visitation for Tony will be Friday, January 13, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at O’Riley Branson Funeral Service and Crematory, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, with prayers at 11:30 AM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, January 13, 2023, at 12 PM at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 8300 Rahke Road,  Indianapolis, Indiana.  Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Garden.

Please visit www.OrileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.