Kenneth Barger

1933 - 2021

Kenneth Ray Barger, 87, of Salisbury passed away on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021 at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. Born in Rowan County on Dec. 22, 1933, he was the son of the late Dorcas Irene Trexler Barger and Luther Adolphus Barger. Kenneth graduated from Granite Quarry High School and went on to serve his country in the Army and Air National Guard, retiring after 33 years with the rank of Master Sergeant. Kenneth worked as a meat cutter at many grocery stores starting in 1959, with his last job being at Rockwell Casket Company. He was a lifelong member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council many times. He was active with the youth and Lutheran Men in Mission. Kenneth was a Webelo leader in the scouts, a member of the American Legion and a lifelong member of the AMVETS. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Howard Barger; and sisters, Ethel Marie Vaughan and Ruth Catherine Swinson. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Thelma Eagle Barger, whom he married on June 14, 1957; son, William Barger (Carol) of Salisbury; daughters, Tammie Safrit of Salisbury and Ellen Troutman (Steve) of Salisbury; grandchildren, Allen Tomlinson (Lyndsay), Thomas Tomlinson, Holly Tomlinson, Kaleigh Troutman, Daniel Troutman, Sierra Barger and Shelby Barger; great-grandchildren, Tucker Tomlinson, Morgan Tomlinson, Tanner Tomlinson, and Kelsie Williams. Visitation: 1:00-1:45 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 23, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 2570 St. Peters Church Rd, Salisbury, NC 28146. Service: 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 23, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church with the Rev. Sean Barrett officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Lyerly Volunteer Joint Services Honor Guard. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A celebration of Kenneth's life will also be held at a later date. Memorials: Memorials may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 2570 St. Peters Church Rd, Salisbury, NC 28146. Lyerly Funeral Home is serving the Barger family. Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.