Merle A. Barger Sr., 75, passed away at his home peacefully on Friday.

He was born Feb. 2. 1936, in Manor Township, Armstrong County, to Dale and Elizabeth H. Barger. He was a lifelong resident of the area.

He graduated from Ford City High School in 1954 and from California State College in 1958. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and National Guard.

Merle became an industrial arts teacher at Ford City High School where he taught for 33 years in the metal shop (“mental shop”). After attending the Hobart Welding School in Troy, Ohio, he began the Adult Education Welding program at Ford City High School in the 1960s. When Kaufmann's in Pittsburgh sponsored industrial arts fairs, Merle encouraged his students to participate and was very proud when they won many awards. He took pride in the fact that many of his students pursued careers in industrial arts, welding and other related areas.

He was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church and worked at the turkey dinners at the church. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 805.Farming, old cars and riding his motorcycle were his passions. Merle showed his love for others through his many acts of service, helping anyone in any way. He truly had a kind heart.Merle is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Turko) Barger, who he married June 26, 1965; his son, Merle Allen Barger Jr. and his wife, Dana Rochelle Barger; his daughter, Melissa (Barger) Venesky and her husband, Jason Venesky; and two granddaughters, Stella Elizabeth Venesky and Anna Louise Venesky.His extended family includes his nephew, Douglas McKita, and his brother-in-law Tim Turko, and their families.He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Helen McKita; his brother-in-law, Don McKita; and his niece, Lori McKita-Spring.

<B>BARGER</B> — Visitation for Merle A. Barger Sr., who died Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the <B>Mantini Funeral Home</B>, 701 Sixth Ave., Ford City. Additional visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with a prayer service at 10:30 a.m.Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the Heilman Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Ford City, with Pastor Douglas Heagy officiating. Burial will be at Heilman Cemetery.