Russ Barger

Russell H. Barger Jr., 50, of Butler died Saturday evening from injuries he suffered in an automobile-motorcycle accident.

Russ was the loving husband and soul mate of his wife, Kathy, and a loving and caring father to his children, Kristina and Braden. He was a loyal and trusted friend to many and was always willing to lend a hand in many ways. He was loved and cherished and will never be forgotten.

Russ was born Oct. 6, 1961, in Butler, to Russ Barger Sr. of North Washington and Patricia Craig of Butler, who survive him.

Russ was a member of St. Peter's Church of Butler. He worked as an ironworker at AK Steel since 1984. Russ graduated from Butler High School in 1980.

He was a social member of the VFW Post 249 of Butler and a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 778 of Lyndora. He also was a 32nd-degree member of the William M. Miller Masonic Lodge 769 and the Butler County Law Enforcement Officers Association.

Russ enjoyed helping others. He also enjoyed hunting, cars, motorcycles, snowmobiling, and growing his own vegetables in his garden.

Russ was well known to his family and friends for his famous homemade spaghetti sauce and salsa. He loved building and repairing computers for many friends and family.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Russ is survived by his daughter, Kristina (Barger) Carr and her husband, Matthew, of Butler; his son, Braden of Butler; his sister, Debra Barger of Butler; his sister, Valjean Schooley of Florida; his sister, Shari Bennetti and close friend Carole Bartlebaugh, both of Butler; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a plethora of friends.

His maternal and paternal grandparents preceded him in death.

BARGER— Family and friends of Russell H. Barger Jr., who died Saturday, June 16, 2012, will be received at YOUNG'S FUNERAL HOME, Butler, from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday with services at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.