John A. Barger
April 17, 1948 ~ August 31, 2012
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Capt. John A. Barger, Ret., 64, passed away unexpectedly August 31, 2012, doing what he loved most. Survived by the love of his life, Terri Garcia; son, Bob (Karen) Barger, Pueblo, the children he raised, Jennifer (Sean) Maher, Pueblo and Richard Torres, Denver, Pamela Yuhas, Kenneth (Marshawn) Yuhas, Denver; sister, Carol (Alan) Turchan; grandchildren, Shalynn (Jordan) Spangler, Brittany Barger, Amber Barger, Brendan Maher and Micaela Maher; great-grandchildren, Cyrus, Logan and Amara Spangler; cousin, Russ (Janet) Sammons; and many friends and colleagues. Preceded in death by his parents, Earl A. and Pauline Barger; aunt, Lee Barger. John was born April 17, 1948, in Goodland, Kan. He owned and operated an auto mechanic shop in Canon City and later joined the Canon City Police Department. He then joined the Pueblo Police Department and retired as a police captain after a 32 year career. In his early years, he enjoyed Golden Gloves Boxing. His passion was flying aircraft. There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. A celebration of John's life, 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, at Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, 31001 Magnuson Ave. In lieu of food and flowers, memorials may be made to PAWS for Life, through the funeral home. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
Your birthday is in a few days, Barger. I miss you. Your verbiage of, “darlin’ or knucklehead,” and that silly laugh; OMG you would snorkle when you’d laugh hard. I miss the laughter… and you telling me you’re in the tub with Mr. Bubble, a beverage, and a cigar. I remember teasing you SO MUCH about Mr. Bubble. My dear friend, we had some experiences that we both vowed we’d take to our graves… you just got there before me! I truly miss you. Condolences to those who you loved; and those who loved you back.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you Terri, and the entire Barger family – especially Bob. I grew up next door on Lake Avenue and was a constant presence in the Barger household. I remember John working on all those Volkswagens when I was a kid. I remember John working on his lathe making billy clubs of all sizes – even little one’s for keychains. John taught me how to play pool on his bar-sized table down in the basement. He was so tall I don’t think he could even stand up straight down there, but he’d spend time with me showing me how to make bank shots. I remember John would rest is arms and lean on the dividers between the dining room and living room – like most of us would lean on a fence. He was good to put up with me as a kid, and I always looked up to him.
When I got older, he became a good friend to me personally – and to the Eversole family. When my sister Sue died, he was there. When dad died – he was there. When mom died – he was there. I feel terrible I wasn’t able to make it to the memorial in Pueblo and I hope he knows how much I appreciated everything he did for me over the years. There were many times I’d call on John for help with one thing or another, and he’d always come through. He was a good friend to my sister Sue – and she spoke of him highly.
He always told me that when mom died, he wouldn’t stay on Lake Ave any more – and that’s just what he did. Thanks John, for looking after the Eversole’s all those years. I KNOW you did a lot of that over the years and even though I moved away after high school, it was good knowing you were there looking after things. I always liked that you parked your patrol car in the driveway – a good reminder to the Bessemer thieves not to mess around there!
Rest in peace my friend – on behalf of all the Eversoles, you will be missed.
God Bless,
Chris
On behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County and our Board of Directors our most sincere condolences on the passing of Mr. Barger. His kindness and generosity impacted the lives of thousands that he never met. His leadership helped to ensure that success is within reach of every young person who walks through Boys & Girls Club’s doors for many generations to come.
I have worked at the airport for only a few years and in that time, there were very few days that I did not see John driving or walking past the shop usually several times a day. He always waved, and he always had either a smile on his face or a look of determination as he was figuring out how to tackle whatever hurdle the day’s project had presented him with. Most days he would stop in at least once, say hi and ask a question or just talk for a few minutes.
There are many small holes in my days at work where John used to be. I look across the ramp and I think of him each time they pass by.
I am grateful to have known you, John. You will not be forgotten.
Kent and I are still in disbelief that John is gone from this world. We will miss him always. We considered him a very valuable member of our STARS ALIVE group….won’t quite be the same without him manning that big old spotlight at the shows. Terri and family, our hearts ache along with yours but we know that the Great Spirit will bring you to peace. And someday you will be comforted with the warm glow of great memories made when John was here.
Hi Terri,
I wanted to send a big hug to you and tell you that I was so happy that you and “Uncle” John came to our wedding last summer in Beaver Creek. It was so nice seeing him and meeting you.
Even though we didn’t get to spend as much time together recently, I will always remember spending Christmas’ with him and Aunt Lee when I was little 🙂
Thanks for being there for him and we are thinking of you.
Love,
Heather and Chris Wacinski
Terri,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you truly loved John. My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family. Please let me know if you need anything Friend.
My thoughts are with the people who were close to John. I knew John from old school days and also all the years here in Pueblo. We were from Crowley County High. Over the years we continued to talk and keep up on people and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is now with the person (his mother) whom he cherished. I remember the Christmas tree for her and I smile when I remember. It was an artifical tree decorated and lit up. I had to go to Ordway to see it when he told me. Yes it was bright and it lit the place up. Only John would put a tree out in the country as the cemetary is north of Ordway in the prairie. God bless you John. Dorothy Brock
John and I meet in college and were instant friends , He was a groom men in my wedding. One of my favorite memories was John over hearing two guy talking about moving over the weekend and John asked if they needed any help,then he told them we would help .After they left I told him. “John we don’t even know them” and he said ,”Dodie we don’t need to know someone to help them” My friend even though we didn’t keep in touch as much as I wish you will always have a place in my heart . My prayers to his family .But I know he is on watch at the gates if heaven .
Dodie
Pueblo,Co
John was a man who was larger than life and will be greatly missed by us. He was a friend. May he rest in God’s peace. Our love goes out to Terri and his family.
The tragic event that has taken John from our midst has saddened all who knew John.
He was a professional that lived life to the fullest.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Jim and Cindy Kramer
Dear Family, Friends, and Law Enforcement Colleagues:
On behalf of all Colorado Bureau of Land Management law enforcement officers, kindly accept our most heartfelt condolences for your tragic loss.
Sincerely,
Jeanne M. Proctor
Special Agent in Charge
Bureau of Land Management
Terri and family,my love and thoughts are with you. I enjoyed getting to know John, he was always very kind, friendly and of course a dog lover!Thank you for sharing him with all of us, he will be missed! Jan Rising
I’m so sorry to hear the news about John. My prayers go out for the entire Barger family and Terri as well. John was an excellent role model, and good friend to everyone in our family. John lived in between our houses on Lake and looked after all of us. I’d mow his lawn with ours, knowing he was tired from doing the night shift and didn’t have time to do it himself. My brother Chris told me John wouldn’t move out of that house until after my mom passed away, what can I say John? There aren’t enough words.
I will miss you my friend.
John’s life ended as he had lived it, with passion, and conviction, He stood out in every circle he traveled, as a kind, and fair individual who left everyone, and everything better then he found it. The airport, and all his friends will forever be cast in the memory of such a fine man .
“For once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return” … we will find you there my friend, God’s Speed.
To Terri and John’s Family,
There are no words that can come even remotely close to healing the pain that you feel. The world has lost a very special person. Thank you John for serving the community and thank you for your friendship. You will be missed!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’ Matthew 5:4
You will be missed!
Our prayers are with everyone. We are so sorry to hear this news. We only got to meet John once, but felt like we knew him because of Terri’s love for him. We love you Terri!
The Board and members of FOP 34, represents public safety officers from 5 area agencies. Many knew John. I only met him once and that was a great meeting. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of John. A likeable man that served the community with dignity and professionalism.
To John’s Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. The Timme family
To Terri and John’s family, we share your grief now and then we will miss him. He was such a good friend to all of us aviators at KPUB. May the wings of aviation always lift our spirits through John’s memory.
The staff and management at Papa Jose’s would like to convey our deepest sympathies. John and Terri were regular customers of our little restaurant. John was always very kind and his presence will be missed. My regret is that I didn’t take the opportunity to know him on a more personal level.
Michael,Elly and staff. Papa Jose’s Union Cafe
My wife and I live at 5 White Dove Ct. just down the street from John and Terri. John would walk his beautiful dog sometimes two times a day. He stopped one day to say hi. We realized we had a mutual friend Rick Sandidge who had a plane at the airport. He always stopped to talked everytime I was out in the yard.
He may have been a policeman all his life, but his heart was very soft. The work had not hardened him. He still had a love for mankind which showed in his every word. May he rest in the arms of God. Dave and Debi Clark
John,
I pray God bless your family with the friendship, comfort, and laughter that you shared with me. You were the strength for me during my time of weakness and I wish I could have thanked you in person. To your family, you have reason to be proud of the man I will miss and look forward to seeing again in Heaven. God bless you John
I was shocked to hear the news and I am very sorry we did not cross paths before you departed our Earth. We worked together at the PPD from 1984 – 1991, and continued our working relationship after I left. After our Julie was born, you helped us with her cause, boxing against a “biker” in a fundraiser and we have always been so appreciative and grateful for what you did! Thank You John!
Rest in peace John. May God comfort your loved ones.
We wanted to respectfully convey our deepest sympathies to Terri and the rest of John’s family for their sudden loss. We were close neighbors (and friends) of John’s for the past 11 years, and we truly enjoyed knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your lose . I knew John for over 35 yrs. When he would walk into the Sheriff’s Department it was like having family walk in. He will be missed alot by all who had worked with him, and who he always had a minute for to just listen.
Terri,
Please accept my sympathy & know that my thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
May you rest in peace John! RESPECT LOYALTY HONOR!! John Escobedo
Terri,
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
MAY YOUR HEARTS BE FILLED WITH WARM THOUGHTS AND TREASURED MOMENTS OF YOUR DEARLY DEPARTED.
Terri, my heart just aches for you! I was so hurt when I found out about John…loved that man! I know that he’s with family & friends in Heaven; I also know that my Mother welcomed him with open arms..she loved working with him…know that you are in my thoughts & prayers..Love you! Barb
I am so sad and my heart is broken. John is the man I always dreamed of sharing my life with. Our love for each other is so pure and true and I will love him for the rest of my life. I have some difficult days before me but I know that I am not alone. To our friends at the airport, police department and sheriffs departments and anyone who John has touched, Bless each and everyone of you and please know that you too are loved by John and me. I want to thank those who have taken a moment to stop by to see me or called to check on me. It’s a sad time for all of us. We are all connected by John’s love and memories.