Ernest Barco

Ernest L. Barco III VIRGINIA BEACH - Ernest L. "Bill" Barco III, 78, died Monday, Aug. 25, 2008. Bill was born in Norfolk on July 5, 1930. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margarget Barnes Barco of Norfolk and Ernest L. Barco Jr. of Riverside, Calif. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Erma "Andi" Heitmann Barco of Virginia Beach; and his daughter, Andrea Barco Driscoll, husband Stuart and their two children Victoria Marie and Christy Anna; his son, James Ray Barco of Greeley, Colo., and his children, Benjamin James and Joseph Andrew; and son, William Dean Barco and wife, Cathy of Westminister, Colo. Bill grew up in Ocean View and attended Granby High School. After two tours in the Army in France and Germany he returned to Norfolk. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Norfolk and Prince of Peace Lutheran in Virginia Beach for many years. Bill joined the Norfolk Fire Department for a few years before moving to Anaheim, Calif., where he worked for North American Aviation. Upon returning to this area he settled in Virginia Beach and worked for I.T.T. Continental Bakery until his retirement. Not ready to settle down, Bill worked for a short while for the Virginia Beach Schools bus system until he was 67. He enjoyed "his little yellow '28 Mercedes" and his golfing. When his sickness finally incapacitated him, Bill happily joined the residence of Care Bridge Assisted Living in Chesapeake where there was a loving staff and many caring friends and family. Bill spent his last days under the care of Hospice. He is also survived by two brothers and their wives, Herman and Patricia Barco and Frank and Peggy Barco, all of Brooksville, Fla.; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and two aunts. The devotion of his daughter and family will always be special. There will be a joyous memorial service for all who knew and loved Bill on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 424 Kings Grant Road, Virginia Beach, 340-8420. Burial will be at a later date with arrangements by the Cremation Society of Virginia.