Charles Watkins Bargar

Charles Watkins Bargar, 79, of Uhrichsville and formerly of Freeport, died peacefully early Friday morning, January 2, 2004 in Beacon Point Care Center at Uhrichsville following a month-long illness. Born July 23, 1924 in Gnadenhutten, Charles was the last surviving son of Charles Jacob and Lola Dell Millhorn Bargar. He was a 1942 graduate of Gnadenhutten High School. Following graduation, he entered the United States Army and spent four years working mainly as a medical technician. Upon his discharge on March 22, 1946, he was decorated with the America Theater Ribbon, the EAME Theater Ribbon, the World War II Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Bargar returned to Gnadenhutten and began working for the Dennison News. He spent less than a year there (the newspaper started and folded within that time) and he became affiliated with the Freeport Press. Following eighteen years of service there, Charles began working for the Dover Daily Reporter in 1965, which became The Times-Reporter during his twenty-two year career there as plate-room foreman. Active in the community, Charles was elected by his peers to serve as Mayor of the Village of Freeport for two terms, commencing in 1958. He was formerly affiliated with the Freeport Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Freeport Lions Club, the local 4-H chapter there, and was a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America. He had also held board positions with the Freeport Water Board, and the Ground Observer Corps. Survivors include his wife of fifty-seven years, the former Dorothy West whom he married April 24, 1946. Together, they raised a family that includes six children, Charles W. Bargar Jr. of Dayton, OH, Gary D. Bargar of Uhrichsville, Diana (Gary) Stewart of New Philadelphia, S. Louise (Steve) Czatt of Columbus, OH, John Ray Bargar Sr. of New Philadelphia, OH, and Bettie J. (Chuck) Felger of Mesa, Arizona; grandchildren Anthony Rae Czatt, Anya and Brian Keith, John Ray Bargar Jr., Mark Bargar, and Jennifer Bargar; as well as one great-grandson Dawson Schafer. Numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren also survive. In addition to his parents, Charles is preceded in death by three brothers; Carl, Elmer and Gayle; and a sister Helen Hooker. Friends are invited to call Sunday, January 4, 2004 from 1PM to 3 PM at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia. Rev. Harry “Bud” Milligan will lead funeral services Sunday afternoon at 3 PM. A reception will be held at the family residence following the ceremony. Local cremation will follow under the care and direction of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory. Memorials to the American Cancer Society, Suite 201-A West Ohio Avenue, Dover Ohio, or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720.