Howard E. Barger

Howard E. “Howdy” Barger, 90, of Petrolia Street, Karns City, went to be with the Lord at 11:35 p.m. Friday at the home of his stepdaughter in Chicora with his loving wife by his side.

Howard was born in Dutch Hill, Clarion County, on March 26, 1925. He was the son of Perry and Emma Wyant Barger.

He attended Parker High School. Howard was a sergeant in the U.S. Army, serving in field artillery and communications during the Korean War.

He retired from Witco Chemical in Petrolia following 38 years of service.

Mr. Barger attended the Karns City Church of God of Prophecy. He was an avid and well-known bowler and was a member of two teams bowling on Monday and Tuesday nights at Bruin Lanes. He enjoyed flower gardening, mowing grass and honoring our veterans by placing many flags around his residence on Memorial Day. Howard prided himself on being the first in the neighborhood each spring to mow his grass.

Howard is survived by his wife, Joan Ion Barger, who he married at the Church of God of Prophecy in Karns City on Aug. 14, 1999. He also is survived by three children, Nancy Johns and her husband, Dave, of Sugarcreek Township, Shirley Hankey and her husband, James, of Hernando, Fla., and Timothy Barger and his companion, Beth Johns, of Kittanning; four stepchildren, George Ion of Chicora, Bishop Alan Ion and his wife, Jackie, of Parker, Tracy J. Ion and his companion, Gina Ansell, of Chicora and Sonya Ion and her companion, Joe Bell, of Chicora; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; eight step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his first wife, Nellie Claypoole Barger, who died Nov. 29, 1998; one brother, Paul Barger; and two sisters, Betty Klingensmith and Dorothy Dietz.

BARGER — Friends of Howard E. “Howdy” Barger, who died Friday, March 27, 2015, will be received at the Karns City Church of God of Prophecy, 1510 Kittanning Pike, Karns City, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today.A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the church with Bishop Ronald Roudebush, church pastor, Mr. Barger's stepson, Church of God of Prophecy Bishop Alan Ion, and Church of God of Prophecy pastor, the Rev. Roy Tilton.Interment with military honors provided by the Chicora VFW and the Chicora and Bradys Bend American Legion posts will be at the Oak Grove Cemetery, Chicora.Arrangements are under the direction of the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora.Memorial contributions may be made to the Karns City Church of God of Prophecy, 1510 Kittanning Pike, Karns City, PA 16041.For additional information or to send a condolence please visit www.hilefh.com.