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Clair W. Barger

Clair Barger, age 86, of Parker, PA, passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2012, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital surrounded by his family.

He was born in Black Fox, PA on November 6, 1925, the son of Walter B. and Florence M. (Everett) Barger.

Clair has resided in the area all his life. He proudly served his country in the US Navy during WWII as a mechanic where he earned the Pacific Theatre Ribbon, the American Theatre Ribbon, and the Victory medal. Upon his return home he married the love of his life, Twila M. Guntrum. They were married January 10, 1948, and enjoyed 61 years of love and dedication to each other and raising three children.

Clair had 35 years of service with Asplundh prior to his retirement; he was a climber for 17 years and a foreman for 18 years. He was also previously employed with the former Koppers in Petrolia. Clair was a faithful member of the Sligo Church of the Nazarene. He was a board member and a trustee, and was seen on a regular basis at many church functions volunteering his time. He was also a member of the Democratic committee and the Rimersburg VFW, and was a Magic Forest volunteer.

Clair was a man of the outdoors where he enjoyed hunting in his younger years and many hours gardening and caring for his dahlias. He had a passion for westerns and was well known for his mashed potatoes, but his most important interest was his family. Clair will be fondly remembered for his willingness to help others and his inability to say "no' to anyone who asked for his help. He was a quiet man of few words, but a hard worker, easy-going and very well liked by everyone he met. His generous spirit and warm heart will be sadly missed by the many whose lives he touched.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his two daughters, Kathy Barger, of Bela, and Carol Craig, of Bela, and her companion, Don Wirt, of Cherry Run; Melvin Risinger Jr., whom he raised just as though he were his own son, of Butler; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Barger, of Sligo; two granddaughters, Jenny Barger and her companion, Patrick Wiegand, of Sligo and Ashley Craig, of Aliquippa; one great-grandson, Kaleb Wiegand, of Sligo, and a new great-granddaughter expected in April; a brother, Blair "Jack" Barger, of Parker; and three sisters, Zelma King, of Rimersburg, Shirley Smith and her husband, Elmer, of Parker, and Erla Ryals, of Brooksville, FL.

Clair was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Twila M. (Guntrum) Barger; his son, James C. "Jim' Barger; two brothers, Dean and Clayton Barger; and three sisters, Dorotha Marsh, Marie Callender and Melda Hutchinson.

Family and friends will be received from 7-9 PM on Saturday, March 24, 2012 and from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at the Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home, 758 Main St., Rimersburg, PA.

Additional visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of funeral services at 11 AM on Monday, March 26, 2012 at the funeral home, with the Rev. Louis Staubs officiating.

Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Madison Twp., Clarion Co., with full military honors presented by the Rimersburg American Legion Post 454 and the VFW Post 7132.

Memorial contributions may be made in Clair's honor to the Sligo Church of the Nazarene, 311 Madison St., Sligo, PA 16255.

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