Randall Lee Barger, 50, called “Randy” by family, “Bagger” by friends, was born Oct. 1, 1960, in Nevada, and passed from this life on Friday, Oct. 22, 2010, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, after a lengthy illness. He was the only son born to Albert Lee and Norma June (Teague) Barger.
Randy grew up fishing and hunting with his dad. After graduating from El Dorado Springs High School in 1979, he moved to Texas with some of his buddies, working as a landscaper. He relocated from there to Kansas City, then Arkansas where he worked for Tyson before moving back home to El Dorado Springs. He then worked for TLT Wire and built houses.
He became ill in 2002-2003 with acute pancreatitis and, after surgery, was an insulin dependent diabetic. Those who knew Randy knew he could be the most loving man, the best friend, brother and son and, at the same time, knew he could be as stubborn as a mule. The last few years, as his health declined, his sister, Karen, took him to all of his appointments and both sisters cared for him. They were with him while he took his final breath singing him the songs they knew as children sitting in the church pew with family.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and numerous other relatives and friends.
He is survived by his older sister, Kim Nimmo – Schell City; his younger sister, Karen Gooden – Nevada; his step-mother, Barbara; step-brother, David, and his wife, Melody; step-sister, Linda, and her husband, Steve; and a brother-in-law, Homer; several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
“You never though you would make it to ‘50’ but you did it big brother. I love you and I will miss you dearly.”
A memorial service for Randy (Bagger) Barger will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, in the Fellowship Hall of the Assembly of God Church at the Corner of Park and Freeman. Friends and family please come and share a story. Nothing fancy; come as you are.
Donations will be appreciated for Randy’s final expenses.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home in Schell City.
