John Edward Barger

Ed was born in High Point, North Carolina on April 29, 1947 to Daisy Hall and William G. Barger. After living in North Carolina and Maryland in his early years, Ed’s family moved to Tyler, Texas. He was a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler and The University of Texas at Austin. Ed met the love of his life, Janice Smith Barger in Tyler, and they continued their courtship in Austin before marrying on August 30, 1968.

After graduation, Ed and Janice moved to Dallas where Ed began his engineering career at Texas Instruments. A few years later, Ed completed a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at SMU. Being an entrepreneur at heart, he later started Barger Engineering, and went on to establish Landscape Lighting Supply Company in 1992. Ed continued to work and grow that business until his recent retirement.

During their early years in Dallas, Ed and Janice moved to Preston Hollow where they joined Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church. They made lifelong friends there and enjoyed serving the church as Elders. Ed served on numerous committees within the church including the Property Committee and head of his usher team.

Ed and Janice moved to Lake Highlands over 40 years ago where they raised their girls and were active in the community. Ed was instrumental in planting the trees along Abrams Rd, and served on both the Dallas City Plan Commission and the Board of Adjustment for District 10.

Ed had a passion for woodworking and loved making furniture. He spent several years restoring a turquoise 1957 Chevy Bel Air, a replica of his high school car. He loved to travel, especially on his Harley Davidson across the country with his dear motorcycle friends. Janice and Ed took many trips together and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary shopping for antiques in New England. A successful businessman and civic leader, Ed loved his family fiercely and was very generous with his time and talents.

Ed is preceded in death by his father, William Gilliland Barger. He is survived by his loving wife Janice; his daughters Amy Barger Mina and husband John of Dallas; Melissa Barger Chapman and husband Trey of Dallas; grandsons William Mina, Harrison Mina, Tyler Chapman and Graham Chapman; his mother Daisy Barger of Tyler, TX; brother Bob Barger and wife Sandi; nephew David Barger and niece Kimberly Barger-Thompson; his aunt Katie Barger Mitchell, and their families.

A graveside service will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest on Sunday, December 23 at 2:30pm. A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 2pm at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church officiated by the Rev. Matthew Ruffner and assisted by the Rev. Mark Brainerd.

Memorials may be made to Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church: 9800 Preston Rd, Dallas TX 75230 or towards the University of Texas J. Edward Barger President’s Associates Endowment at www.giving.utexas.edu . The family would like to thank his caregivers from Acapella Services and VNA Hospice.