Norman J Barga

NORMAN BARGA

Norman J. Barga, 93, Union City, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2015, in the State of the Heart Hospice Unit at Wayne Hospital, Greenville, Ohio.  He was born on April 22, 1921, to Arthur and Carrie (Schwartz) Barga in Darke County, Ohio.  He attended a one-room school house in Brock, Ohio, thru the 8^th grade after which he began working full time on his family farm.  He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942 to serve in World War II and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant.  While in the service, he received his high school diploma and went on to become an instructor, a mechanic and a pilot. 

Norman was a farmer by trade and also worked as an auto mechanic, but he was known by most people in the community as the “Lawn Mower Man” because of the lawn mower repair shop he operated until 2006 when he “retired” at the age of 85. 

Norman was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Union City, where he served as a lector, usher, eucharistic minister, religious education teacher and church council member. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as a city councilman for City of Union City.  He was very involved with his community over the years.  He thrived on social interaction, was always quick with a smile, a joke and a genuine concern for the well-being of those around him.

 He is survived his wife Edna (Goodner) Barga whom he married on January 19, 1946, his brother, Tom Barga of Vandalia, Ohio, along with his children, Jeff Barga, Anita (Larry) Amspaugh and Fred (Cindy) Barga, all of Union City, Indiana, and Dan (Marianne) Barga of Sylvania, Ohio; his grandchildren, Matthew, Micah & Christopher Barga, A.J. (Heidi) Amspaugh & Kyle (Ashlee) Amspaugh, Madeline & Elizabeth Barga, and Adam Barga, and five great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Mike & David Barga, brothers, Nelson Barga, Marvin Barga, Richard Barga, and sister Ann (Barga) George Wehrley.

Norman has donated his body to the Indiana University School of Medicine to be used for the education of students in the health professions. He chose to do this in honor of his children and grandchildren who are involved in many different medical fields.  There will be a public Memorial Mass for family and friends on Saturday, January 10, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Union City, Indiana.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church or to Hospice of Darke County.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.reichardfh.com.