Bret Aker

Bret Dwight Aker of Burlington, OK, 67 years old, went to his Heavenly Father, Tuesday August 12, 2025 at 10:20 a.m. True to his powerful and fearless nature, he tenaciously fought cancer until the end.

Born big and strong to Max and Janice Aker February 27, 1958; he had a childhood full of outdoor adventure and antics in Columbia City, Indiana where he graduated in '76. Bret ran around the entire countryside with his siblings and best buds; bailing hay, detasseling corn, hunting, fishing, attending Saturn Church, playing sports, and always being helpful to his close-knit family, near and far.

Early adulthood took Bret all over the U.S. and Germany as he served in the Air Force; making lifelong memories and heartfelt connections. He settled back in the Warsaw area of Indiana, raising two beautiful daughter’s aka pumpkins; Lauren & Jamie. He was a loving, devoted Papa Bear who absolutely would have done anything for his girls. Teaching them the ways of the woods and lakes, how to listen to your head in addition to your heart, and a deep-seated love of Jesus. He attended N. Webster Church of God, Vineyard Church, and worked for the town of Pierceton as "Head Dude in Charge".

True to character, Bret kept living life to the fullest as retirement neared. He and his soulmate Schaun had a beautiful, intimate wedding on July 4, 2009. They moved out West, making a stop in Arkansas before settling in their truly wonderful community in Oklahoma. His days were filled with checking out local eats and farmers markets, jammin to some classic rock, working as a truck driver and lead farmer - farming being his favorite job ever, hunting, running the sound board at First Baptist church, taking a nap with the cats or dog, and spending time with he and Schaun's many friends.

Bret many times referred to himself as Macho Man, and right he was. His physical strength was unmatched and one of his many God-given gifts. He never knew a stranger, was endlessly generous, had a great sense of humor, gave the best hugs, and everyone lucky enough to call him friend knew they could count on him. This world will not be the same for us without him.

Missing him here: adoring wife, Schaunesse Aker of Burlington, OK; daughters, Lauren & Ryan Benker; grandsons, Julian & Wolfe of Knoxville, TN; Jamie & Max Yde, grandson, Samson of Indianapolis, IN; brother, Bart & Karen Aker of TX; sister, Penny & Randy of IN; sister, Jennie & Steve Riffe of OH; brother, Travis Aker of OH; many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children, many cousins and extended family whom he all adored; in-laws, Bill & Shirley Glaser, and bonus children and grandchildren, Becca & Kim Nguyen, Dan & Terri Glaser, Jac & Wil Glaser, Dakota, Hudson, Levi, Judah, & Asher.

Memorial service will be Monday, August 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Cherokee with a lunch to follow. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Cherokee. www.lanmanmemorials.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home, Inc.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Cherokee through the funeral home.

Services in Indiana to be announced.