Jack Maurice Barge

Jack Maurice Barge, 92, of Bloomington, IN passed away March 8, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Born Jan. 9, 1929 to Floyd C. and Beulah G. (Carpenter) Barge he spent his childhood in Bloomington and many summers in Adel, IN at the home of his grandparents. He later moved to Danville, Il where he graduated in 1946 from Danville High School as an athlete with letters in football and wrestling. Jack attended both The University of Illinois – Champaign and Indiana University on wrestling scholarships. IU is where he met “the love of his life” and soon to be wife, Joann Lancaster, on a blind date. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years Joann (Lancaster) Barge and his beloved parents. He is survived by five children including Charisse “Tootie Barge" (Randall) Hughes, Gretchen (Barry) Heard, Jackie (Steve) Salmon, Nancy Shaw Rimas, and John (Amanda Clerkin) Barge. Grandchildren Jack, Warren (Jess Adams), and Lauren Shaw; Kelsey and Colin Heard, Ganson and Brogan Salmon; Ramona and Truman Barge. Great-grandchildren Cardale Powell, Aslysn and Faith Shaw. Jack found his true calling baking, selling, and delivering bread across Southern Indiana. His can-do attitude and positive demeanor landed him the nickname “Happy Jack” and he worked for West Bakery selling Yum Yum bread and Mueller Johnson Bakery in Danville, IL. His father was given an opportunity to buy a bakery, so father and son owned and operated the Barge Baking Company selling Butter-Nut Bread in Bloomington, IN. Jack later worked for Tastee and Colonial bread companies. He was a faithful member of the Central States Teamsters Union. From 1973 to 1975 Jack and Joann owned and operated the Busy Bee Bakery on 2nd street in Bloomington and were well known for the quality of their bakery goods. Their 5 children also worked at the bakery making it a true family affair. Jack instilled in his children a strong work ethic and to always “treat the customer as king.” Known as “Barge” to his friends around town, he was a life-long Chicago Cubs fan and attended a game during the failed attempt to win the 1945 World Series. At the age of 86 his dream came true when his precious Cubs won the 2016 World Series. Jack's parents instilled a love of family in him. Together he and Joann hosted the Calvin and Lydia (Camden) Carpenter family reunion at their home multiple times over 50 years where he could be found pitching horseshoes with his cherished cousins. He also took his wife and children to the Lancaster Family reunion every summer for over 40 years. Jack had an encyclopedic memory and was warmly regarded for his endless stories about people and days gone by. He maintained geneology records for both sides of his family and his home is filled with old family photos and treasured memoribilia. Cared for by his family, he was able to remain in the home he and Joann built 67 years ago, on land deeded to them by his parents. The family would like to recognize and thank staff from Elder's Journey, IU Health Hospice, and Brad Ashba with Area 10, along with all those who provided compassionate care during Jack's final days. Funeral services to celebrate Jack's life will be Friday March 12, 2021 at 1PM provided by Day and Deremiah-Fry Funeral Home, Bloomington, IN. Interment will follow at Valhalla Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Thursday, March 11, 2021 4PM - 8PM with protocols in place and face coverings will be required. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Wheeler Mission (wheelermission.org) or a local charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com