Merle A. Barger Sr., of Ford City, peacefully passed away at home Friday, Oct. 28, 2011. He was born Feb. 2, 1936, in Manor Township, to Dale and Elizabeth H. Barger. He graduated from Ford City High School in 1954 and California State College in 1958. He was a veteran of the Army and the 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 Hobart Welding School in Troy, Ohio, he began the Adult Education Welding program at the 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 the industrial arts, welding and other related areas. He was a member of the Heilman Emmanuel Lutheran Church and he worked at the turkey dinners held 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, whom he married June 26, 1965; one son, Merle Allen Barger Jr. and his wife, Dana Rochelle Barger; daughter, Melissa (Barger) Venesky and her husband, Jason Venesky; two granddaughters, Stella Elizabeth Venesky and Anna Louise Venesky. His extended family includes nephew, Douglas McKita and brother-in-law, Tim Turko and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helen McKita; brother-in-law, Don McKita; and niece, Lori McKita-Spring. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the MANTINI FUNERAL HOME, 701 Sixth Ave., Ford City. Additional visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday in the funeral home with prayer service at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the funeral home. Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Heilman Emmanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Douglas Heagy officiating. Interment will be in Heilman Cemetery.
Kittanning Leader Times 10/29/2011
Kittanning Leader Times 10/29/2011
Merle A. Barger Sr., of Ford City, peacefully passed away at home Friday, Oct. 28, 2011. He was born Feb. 2, 1936, in Manor Township, to Dale and Elizabeth H. Barger. He graduated from Ford City High School in 1954 and California State College in 1958. He was a veteran of the Army and the 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 Hobart Welding School in Troy, Ohio, he began the Adult Education Welding program at the 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 the industrial arts, welding and other related areas. He was a member of the Heilman Emmanuel Lutheran Church and he worked at the turkey dinners held 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, whom he married June 26, 1965; one son, Merle Allen Barger Jr. and his wife, Dana Rochelle Barger; daughter, Melissa (Barger) Venesky and her husband, Jason Venesky; two granddaughters, Stella Elizabeth Venesky and Anna Louise Venesky. His extended family includes nephew, Douglas McKita and brother-in-law, Tim Turko and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helen McKita; brother-in-law, Don McKita; and niece, Lori McKita-Spring. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the MANTINI FUNERAL HOME, 701 Sixth Ave., Ford City. Additional visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday in the funeral home with prayer service at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the funeral home. Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Heilman Emmanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Douglas Heagy officiating. Interment will be in Heilman Cemetery.
Kittanning Leader Times 10/29/2011
Kittanning Leader Times 10/29/2011
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