Gary Dale Barger

03/10/1954 - 10/01/2026

Gary Dale Barger, 72, of Bloomington, passed away peacefully at Richland Bean-Blossom Healthcare Center during the early morning hours of Thursday, October 1, 2026. His passing followed a long, courageous battle with chronic myeloid leukemia. He was born at Bloomington Hospital on March 10, 1954, to Leonard and Iva (Frye) Barger. He was raised in the Pentecostal faith and attended Pentecostal Faith Assembly on 11th Street with his family.

Gary graduated from Bloomington High School in 1972 and married Tamara Hamm on April 6, 1985. Together they raised two sons, Shawn and Jonathan. Gary loved taking his family on vacations to St. Augustine, Florida. He was a passionate animal lover, and cared for numerous cats and dogs over the years. His career included dedicated years of service with Bloomington Hospital, Johnson Supply, South Central, General Electric, and Stone Belt Freight Lines.

An avid sportsman, Gary loved attending football games at Bloomington High School South with his close friends and cheering on IU football games and NASCAR races from home. He also found great joy in target practice and sport shooting.

Gary is survived by his wife, Tamara; his sons, Shawn and Jonathan; his brother, Fred Barger; two sisters, Phyllis (Barger) Krebbs and Sandra (Barger) Chamberlain; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Iva; his infant brother, Jackie Lee Barger; and his sister, Norma (Barger) McConnell.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to noon on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Bethel Apostolic Church, 8035 S. Strain Ridge Road, Bloomington. A memorial service will be held immediately following. Rev. Michael Douglas and Rev. Fred Barger will officiate. Burial will be private at a later date.