John L. Barger, 71, of Karns City passed away Friday at his home with his wife by his side.

He was born in Criswell on June 8, 1939, the son of John L. and Mary C. (Gershak) Barger.

John was a 1959 graduate of Karns City High School.

Following graduation, he was employed with the former Ridgeview Country Club until 1961, when he began his employment with Penreco. John had 39 years with Penreco before his retirement in 2000 as a welder.

He was a former Perry Township Judge of Elections and a Perry Township supervisor.

Along with his wife, Alice, John enjoyed listening to “classic” country music and eating out.

An avid sports fan, he took great pleasure in watching sporting events and was a great supporter of both the New York Yankees and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

John had the natural ability to fix and build things. He was never happier than to work around the house. He even built and bricked his own garage.

John was especially fond of animals and will be sadly missed by his two furry friends, Tommy and Suzy.

The time most precious to John was that spent with Alice and just being at home together.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Alice Jean (Burke) Barger, with whom he shared nearly 48 beautiful years together; two sisters, Vivian Lehoullier and her husband, Bob, of Alexander, Ark., and Ann Galassi and her husband, Carl, of Roseville; one brother-in-law, Clifton Hice of Brookville; and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Doris M. Hice.

<B>BARGER</B> — Relatives and friends may visit John L. Barger, who died Friday, March 25, 2011, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the <B>Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services</B>, 102 Argyle St., Petrolia, where funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday with Kenneth McKee, John’s friend, officiating. Burial will follow in Butler Memorial Park Mausoleum.In honor of John, contributions may be made in his memory to American Diabetes Association, Memorial and Honor Program, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.To express online condolences to John’s family, visit www.bauerhillisfuneral.com.