Carole Ann Barger

Carole Ann Cotton Barger, 82, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2017, in Fort Smith. She graduated from the University of Arkansas, and was retired from Westark Community College (now UAFS). Her love of genealogy and history led Carole to be involved for many years with the Oak Cemetery Commission and the Fort Smith Historical Society, especially the Oral History Project. Through her work with the Project, she recorded the stories of countless veterans and other residents in the Fort Smith area, which are now available to the public at the Fort Smith Museum of History. She was instrumental in preserving important parts of local history for future generations while serving as the editor of The Journal of the Fort Smith Historical Society. For many years, she met regularly with friends in a creative writing group, which gave her great joy. Her genealogy research introduced her to family and friends across the US.

Carole is survived by her sister, Linda Cotton Jennings; two sons, Mike Crowly and Mark Barger; two daughters, Vicki Lynne Crowly and Vicki Diane Barger O’Brien; and son-in law, Nick Hensler, and their families. She leaves ten grandchildren: Tara O'Brien, Julia Crowly, Caitlin Hensler, Jeanne Hensler Herrington, Derrick O'Brien, Aaron and Corey Barger, Chris Roblee, and Nicky Hensler; and her niece, Lida Revere Jennings; and nephew, Stuart Cotton Jennings. Carole was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Floyd Barger; and her daughter, Laurie Crowly Hensler.

Carole and Floyd enjoyed visiting with friends, some of whom they had known since grade school, and with family near and far. She loved music, especially country and classical music, and was a reader with wide interests. She was an aficionado of antiques, especially furniture, pottery and dolls. All who knew her will remember her generous manner, her big laugh, and the twinkle in her eye when telling a good story.

A private family burial of cremains will be at Oak Cemetery before the memorial service. Memorial service will be held at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Monday at 11 a.m. The family will visit with friends following the memorial service. Service and cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Memorials in Carole’s memory can be made to the Sebastian County Humane Society, 3800 Kelley Highway, Fort Smith, AR 72904.