Charles Leon Barger, a man of great intelligence, endless wit, and deep love for God and his family, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 18, 2026, surrounded by his children. He was born on August 7, 1935, in Portland, Indiana and raised in Kendallville, Indiana, to the late Willard and Edna (Smith) Barger.
Charles earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Defiance College and conducted scientific research at Texas Tech University. He achieved Scouting's highest honor as an Eagle Scout, earning three Eagle Palms, and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. He approached life with a rare, thoughtful intelligence. Charles's brilliant mind, kind heart, engaging stories, and vivid imagination will be deeply missed.
He began his career as a biology teacher at Lexington High School. Later, Charles became director of operations for Perkins restaurants and opened his own in Lexington, Ohio. After Perkins, he and his wife owned and operated two other restaurants in Ohio. Charles continued with his passion for history as an antiquarian and appraiser.
He married his college sweetheart, Carolyn Biederstedt, on August 24, 1957. Charles enjoyed reading, expanding and sharing his knowledge, traveling, spending quality time with his loved ones, and winters at their Florida home. His adventurous spirit took him and Carolyn on many memorable trips across the states and the Caribbean Islands.
He is survived by three children: Curtis Barger (Beth Bentz), Cara (Gregory) Sutton, and Carmen Egner; nine grandchildren: Major Kyle (Tori) Barger, Jacob (Samantha) Barger, Katie Barger, Alexandrea (Cameron) Foutty, Melissa (Marcus) Nogaj, Cecilia Sutton, Jennifer Sutton, Dr. Chase Egner, and Mason Egner; five great-grandchildren: Amelia, Evelyn, Cameron Jr., Nora, and Theodore; and Susie Barger, mother of Katie, Kyle, and Jacob.
In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Barger; their daughter, Celeste Barger; and his sister, Ruby Barger Leamon.
A private family graveside service will be held October 24, 2026, at Lexington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Charles Barger to Blood Cancer United at: https://bloodcancerunited.org.
