John Joseph Barger

John Joseph Barger, 88, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, Jan.25, 2024. John was born on June 29,1935 to Homer Lee and Ina (McKinney) Barger in Weaubleau. He attended school at Towergrove, Riverview and Collins. John met Sharon Kay Capps while she worked at The Grill, a restaurant in El Dorado Springs,  and they were married on Sept. 1,1961. They purchased their family farm east of town in October, 1966, where they raised their three boys: Joe Dean, Michael Ray, and David Alan. John’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren continue to enjoy the farm by fishing in the many ponds, feeding calves and watching Grandpa garden.

John was a master machinist who could make anything. When John was 19, he went to work at Witt Engineering. He was employed there until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1958 where he was a tank operator and hot spot mechanic. During this time, he was proud to have served with the famous Elvis Presley. They spent six months together in Texas and eighteen months in Germany. He returned home in April 1960 and continued his work as a machinist at Witt’s for 27 years. John was then hired at FRAM in Nevada where he worked in the machine shop for almost 14 years until his retirement. After retiring, he enjoyed the farm and you could always find him at a local auction where he was searching for the perfect antique.

John was saved on Feb. 25, 1952, at a revival meeting. He joined Hazel Dell Missionary Baptist Church where he was later baptized. John enjoyed traveling to revival meetings as a young man. He was a man strong in his Christian faith and loved going to church until his health prevented it in recent years. John’s wish was for everyone to be saved and up until his last breath he prayed for the Lord to take him home.

John is survived by his wife, Sharon, of the home; sons, Joe (Veda) Barger, Michael (Shelly) Barger and David (Tracy) Barger; grandchildren, Ryan (Bailee) Cloyd, Jannah (Buddy) Barger Farrington, Jeremy (Kate) Barger, Bryan (Bethany) Cloyd, Trey (Beth) Barger, Shelby Barger (Colton) Loane, Sydney and Myka Barger; great-grandchildren, Ava Cloyd, Nick and Anna Farrington, Brayton and Annie Barger, Vryon, Liam, Loxley and Linex Cloyd, Tanner, Beckett and Brynlee Barger, Emory and River Loane. He is also survived by sisters, Joyce Wright, Stockton; Mary Leedy, Billings, MT; brother, Sam (Margie) Barger, El Dorado Springs; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Albert Lee Barger; sister, Veda Mae Webb; and grandson, Tanner David Barger.

John will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Services for John were held Saturday, Jan.27, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. He was laid to rest in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery. Ralph Benham was the minister. The pallbearers were Ryan Cloyd, Jeremy Barger, Bryan Cloyd, Trey Barger, Buddy Farrington and Colton Loane.