Jacob "Jake" Rader

Jacob "Jake" Rader, 41, of Waldron, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on June 5, 2026. Born on October 18, 1984, in Connersville, Indiana, Jake was the son of Tammy (Earlywine) Harsh and Elvis Rader. While he loved his family deeply, those who knew Jake knew the special bond he shared with his stepfather, Marty, who helped shape the man he became. Jake graduated from Rushville Consolidated High School in 2003 and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from IUPUC before later earning his Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Ball State University. He dedicated his life to serving children and helping them discover their potential. For ten years, Jake taught at Waldron Elementary School, where he taught Physical Education, Kindergarten, Third Grade, and Fifth Grade. He later became Assistant Principal at South Decatur Elementary School, a role he cherished because it allowed him to continue making a difference in the lives of students, families, and fellow educators. To Jake, education was never just a career—it was a calling. His students adored him, and years after leaving his classroom, many still sought him out to share their accomplishments, stories, and hugs. It was not uncommon for a trip to Walmart to be interrupted by excited former students calling out, "Mr. Rader!" as they ran over to greet him. Jake was a lifelong member of Ben Davis Creek Christian Church and faithfully served as a deacon for several years. His faith was the foundation of his life. He lived out his beliefs through kindness, humility, and service to others. He was the person people called when they needed advice, encouragement, help with a project, or simply someone to listen. No matter how busy he was, Jake would stop what he was doing to help someone in need. He never sought recognition for his generosity—it was simply who he was. On August 14, 2004, Jake married the love of his life, Amber Sparks. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and unwavering devotion to one another. Their love story began during their senior year of high school while working together at Kroger, and over the next twenty-two years they created countless memories, weathered life's challenges side by side, and built a family that was Jake's greatest pride and joy. Jake was a devoted father to Lexi Rader (fiancé Bryce McQueen) of Greensburg, Landyn Rader (wife Makayla) of Greensburg, and Azalia Rader of Waldron. He was a proud grandfather to Harper Rader, whose presence brought him tremendous happiness. He was a role model not only to his own children, but to countless young people whose lives he touched through his work, his faith, and his example. Jake is also survived by his mother, Tammy Harsh; his father, Elvis Rader; his stepfather, Marty Harsh; his siblings Josh Rader (Sara), Tiffany Frank, Kyle Harsh (Lynette), Autumn Rader, and stepbrother Dustin Harsh; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, coworkers, church family, and former students who loved him dearly. Jake never met a stranger. He was a true people person whose warmth, humor, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel welcome. He loved to laugh and had a way of making others laugh with him. He didn't take life too seriously and could find joy even in ordinary moments. His smile was contagious, and his laugh was unforgettable. Outside of work, Jake loved spending time outdoors. Whether he was riding his motorcycle, fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, running, working out, building something with his hands, or working on vehicles, he was happiest when he was creating, exploring, or spending time with the people he loved. He was an excellent cook, a talented problem-solver, and the kind of person who could fix just about anything. If he didn't know how, he would teach himself until he figured it out. More than anything, Jake loved his family. He showed up for the people he cared about. He listened without judgment, encouraged without hesitation, and loved without condition. His impact cannot be measured by titles, accomplishments, or years alone, but by the countless lives he touched through his kindness, faith, generosity, and love. Though his time here was far too short, the legacy Jake leaves behind is extraordinary. He leaves a world better than he found it, and his influence will continue to live on through the family he cherished, the students he inspired, the friends he supported, and the many people whose lives are forever changed because they knew him. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Waldron, Indiana. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 12, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Waldron, Indiana, with Howard Bullard officiating. Burial will follow at Ben Davis Creek Christian Church cemetery in Rushville, Indiana. Jake's family finds comfort in knowing that while they grieve his absence, they celebrate the incredible man he was and the eternal hope he held through his faith in Jesus Christ. Memorial contributions may be made to Ben Davis Christian Church.

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Jacob "Jake" Rader

October 18, 1984 - June 5, 2026