John Edward Barger

John Edward Barger, 68, of Olney passed away on January 26, 2025 at Deaconess Midtown, Evansville.

"Ed" was born on April 20, 1956, in Centralia, IL, to Luther and LaFern Barger. The family moved from Centralia to Carmi during Ed's elementary years, returning to Centralia where Ed finished high school. Ed graduated from Kaskaskia Community College and attended Eastern Illinois University.

On May 24, 1986, Ed married the love of his life, Lori Michels, and became a second dad to her daughter Tera. On May 19, 1988, the family of three became four with the birth of their daughter Tori. Ed always dreamed of being surrounded by women and that became a reality with a wife and two daughters. He was certainly outnumbered by females in the household but quickly surrendered and adapted well.

From an early age, Ed developed an excellent work ethic and earned money mowing lawns for 50 cents - BIG lawns he would always stress. He was able to put that money to work for him by offering loans to his brothers and charging interest. Most of Ed's career was in the oil industry, primarily in Illinois and Indiana, but he also spent time in Brazil, South America and hoped to go back some day for pleasure rather than work. Most recently, and up until his retirement in December, Ed was employed by U.S.D.I.. Ed, who had always worried about staying busy in retirement, was finally ready and looking forward to spending more time with his loved ones, tinkering around the house, and traveling. He was a lover of travel, be it a day trip or an extended vacation, and was ready to go at any time.

Ed is survived by his wife, Lori Barger of Olney; daughter Victoria "Tori" Taylor and her husband, Ryan, of San Antonio, TX, son-in-law Jimmy Bonds and his wife Paige (and bonus family), of Cumming, GA; grandchildren Ava Taylor and Emma Bonds, brother David Barger and wife Sara of Pleasant Plains, IL; brother Scott Barger of Titusville, FL; mother-in-law Carilyn Grinestaff of Olney; step mother-in-law Sue Michels of Olney, IL and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. He and Lori have been blessed to build a life filled with family-like friends, including the "Centralia Gang" and many more in Olney where they made their home.

Ed was preceded in death by his three infant sisters, his brother George, his parents, father-in-law Jerry Michels, and his beloved daughter, Tera Bonds. Despite these losses, Ed remained a pillar of strength and love for his family and friends.

Ed's legacy is one of hard work, dedication, and an unyielding love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched. Rest in peace, John Edward Barger. Your journey may have ended, but your story will be told for generations to come.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memorials can be made to Project Community.