Ronald Earl Barger

Ronald Earl Barger, age 84, passed away Monday, Jan. 18, 2021 at Hendricks Regional Health.

Ronald (Ron) was born in Indianapolis at Methodist Episcopal Hospital on June 9, 1936. His parents were Earl C. and Crystal Wyant Barger.

He graduated from Ben Davis High School in 1955 and served in the United States Air Force and was honorable discharged on Oct. 2, 1957.

Ronald worked for Barger’s Bookkeeping Service as a public accountant and was a volunteer for Wayne Township Fire Department Company 3 alongside his father. He continued doing taxes throughout his lifetime. Ronald volunteered at the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department and was hired full time in 1973 under Sheriff Russell Carmichael. He was recognized by the Indianapolis area chapter hall of fame of the American Red Cross for heroism on March 5, 1974. He also received his pilot’s license in 1976 and was helicopter pilot for the department. Ron served Hendricks County as the sheriff’s department evolved from a small jail that the sheriff lived in to the modern complex it is today. He attained the merit deputy rank of lieutenant until he retired after 22 years of service.

He formed Heritage Lake Security in 1995 to provide water and land security for the Heritage Lake POA for 11 years. Deputized by Sheriff Richard Lyons, he served the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department as a special deputy until 2006. He was a volunteer with the Floyd Township Volunteer Fire Department as the emergency services grew to a self-supporting township entity. He was always there to help when people needed him most. He later worked and volunteered at Hendricks Regional Health and dropped off vehicles for Penske.

He balanced his convictions on faith with Janet as members of Canaan Church and New Winchester Christian Church.

Ron had a heart for service and community. He was an old-school police officer with many stories and never knew a stranger.

He could light a room up with a quick joke or funny story, always wanting to lift others. He had wonderful memories of coaching girls’ softball and enjoyed music. He loved spending time with friends, playing cards, motorcycle rides and evening boat cruises.

Ron married Janet Sue Spear on the third day of October 1956 and celebrated 49 years of marriage. He married Carolyn S. Jennings on June 9, 2007 with a loving nine months of marriage.

Survivors include Barry Barger and wife Linda of Coatesville; Robby Barger of Sullivan and Dawn Barber and husband Brian of Coatesville. He will be forever missed by his beautiful grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, friends and close companions.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son Berry Barger; wife Janet Sue Barger and wife Carolyn S. Jennings.

There will not be a funeral or visitation due to current COVID restrictions. Bousley Funeral Home, Coatesville, will assist with a graveside celebration of life with Pastor Rick Atkins and Pastor Kevin Thompson. There will be a procession from New Winchester Christian Church, 53 S. State Road 75, Danville, to Lincoln Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 6809 S. Indianapolis Rd., Whitestown, on March 3 at 10 a.m. for his final resting site.

Condolences may be sent to www.bousleyfuneralhome.com.

Contributions may be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America - Indiana Chapter, the Indiana Firefighters Association or the Indiana Sheriffs Association.