Glenn Edward Barger

October 9, 1944 - May 24, 2025

Glenn Edward Barger, 80, of Hickory, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Catawba Valley Medical Center surrounded by his family.

He was born on October 9, 1944, to the late Ernest and Dorothy Barger in Catawba County.

Glenn was a devoted man of the Lord with a philosophy that everyone should leave this earth better than it was when you were placed here. He was the epitome of this philosophy by shepherding his family to love others as Jesus did. His family was his pride and joy. He was a faithful worship and council member of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church of Granite Falls. He attended Startown Elementary and was a proud graduate of Fred T Foard High School, Lenoir Rhyne and Appalachian State University. In addition to his devotion to his church and family, he poured into the educational field as a compassionate, authoritative, regal educator (at Fred T. Foard), principal (at Bunker Hill and St. Stephens), and superintendent of Catawba County Schools of 34 years. His impact was so influential that the CCS school board voted unanimously in favor of naming the CCS central office administrative building the Glenn E Barger Building. He fervently served our community as County Commissioner, member of Catawba Valley Rotary Club, State and National Beta Club Representative, president of Science Center board, Social Services board member, and was instrumental in starting the Catawba County Educational Foundation. In the fall of 2010 Glenn was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, the state's highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor. His legacy can live on through everyone who knew him by shepherding others to love like Jesus and leaving this world a better place.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Beverly Shook Barger; sister, Barbara Barger Lael and husband Jerry; nephews, Scott Lael and wife Jean, Brad Lael and wife Marsha, Aaron Lael and wife Amanda; great-nieces and nephews, Kelsie Lael and Ryan Heavner, Joslyn Lael, Brewer and Addyson Lael of Newton; his in laws, Tomalene and the late Mike Abernathy of Maiden; niece, Rachel Fulbright and husband Dustin; great-nieces, Emma and Olivia Fulbright of Vale, niece, Leah Moretz and husband Jason; nephew, Michael Moretz of Maiden; his in laws, Dwight and Teresa Shook; nephew, Jeremy Hardin and wife Melissa, McKenzie and Jacob Hardin of Fort Myers, Fla.

A receiving of friends and family will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hickory Funeral Home.

The celebration of life will be on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 2 p.m., at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Hickory. Glenn will lie in state from 1:30 to 2 p.m. at the church. Rev. Dawn Schaeffer and Rev. Jim Brewer will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers will be: Scott Lael, Brad Lael, Aaron Lael, Brewer Lael, Bobby Rudisill, John Lutz. Honorary pallbearers will be: Steve Hilton, Frank Ridley, Dan Hunsucker, Michael Wyant, Matt Stover, Jeff Taylor, Ron Swift, Pat Hensley, Marilyn McRee, and Joyce Spencer.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions be made, in his memory, to either Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 5721 Rocky Mount Road, Granite Falls, N.C. 28630, or the Catawba County Education Foundation, www.ccs-foundation.org.

www.hickoryfh.com.

Hickory Funeral Home

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Published by Hickory Daily Record on May 29, 2025.