The Funeral Service for Larry Barger
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 The funeral service for Larry Barger will be Saturday, September 27, at 1:00 pm. Please pray for comfort for Kathryn, Amy, Cynthia, and the rest of their family.
Larry Lee Barger
August 15, 1942 - June 15, 2025
Our precious Dad passed into his Lord and Savior’s presence on Father's Day, Sunday, June 15, 2025. He was 82, and 10 months. He graciously endured years of illness, and we were honored to care for him to the end.
Larry was born on August 15, 1942, in Portland, OR to Wyndel W. and Bernice V. (Thorn) Barger. He was raised in Klickitat, WA, a small lumber-town where he learned to love the beauty of nature. He was an avid young hunter and fisherman along with his dad and chums. He attended Klickitat schools and was known as a friendly pal and talented athlete, excelling in basketball and baseball. He attended Grace Lutheran Church, in Klickitat, being baptized and confirmed on August 7, 1959. He attended his senior year of high school at Concordia Lutheran, Portland, OR and continued onto Concordia College (Portland), playing basketball and baseball there.
Larry married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn Hampton, on July 22, 1962, at Grace Lutheran Church, Klickitat. Shortly thereafter he began a long career with the WA State Dept. of Game (later renamed WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife) as a Fish Culturist and soon promoted to a Fish Hatchery Manager. This would take Larry and his young family to many fish hatcheries in ideal locations across Washington State. His longest station was the Shelton Trout Hatchery (later renamed Eells Springs Hatchery) located in the Skokomish River Valley, where he spent over 25 years. He retired from his final station, the Chelan Fish Hatchery, after 43 and a half years with the WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Throughout these years he was a wonderfully supportive and loving husband and father, volunteering many hours to church, school, athletics, Cub Scouts, Firearm Safety, and speaking to several fishing/ hunting clubs.
Larry enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and canoeing with his family, and at his side was always his old trusty thermos full of steaming hot black coffee. He fostered an unending love in his children for nature and all the beautiful waterways.
Larry is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Kathryn J. Barger, his six children Cynthia (Kirk) Einspahr, twins Paul (Kim) and Loren (Tammy) Barger, Marc (Julia) Barger, John (Michelle) Barger, Amy (Jerry) Pinard, 11 grandchildren, 5 great-granddaughters, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, sister, and a nephew.
Larry was interred June 25, 2025, at Mt. View Cemetery in Goldendale, WA, attended by immediate family.
Special thanks to Confluence Urology and Geriatrics, and Advanced Hom Health and Hospice.