Lewis L. “Lew” Barger, Jr.

Lewis L. “Lew” Barger, Jr., a forty-year resident of Lakeland, went to be with his Lord
and Savior at the age of 83. Lew was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After
graduating from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga he married the love of his
life, Judith Ann Morton, from Signal Mountain, Tennessee. He joined the Army, learned
to fly helicopters, and spent a year in Vietnam with 3/4 Cavalry, 25 th Infantry Division.
He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Purple Heart medals. After
Vietnam Lew excelled in a succession of jobs working for Link Flight Simulation, as a
farmer, manager of a hardware store, trainer for the Iranian Air Force before the Iranian
revolution, and finally, working for the City of Lakeland as a training officer and later as
Manager of Employee Engagement. During their marriage Lew and Judy lived in eight
different states and the country of Iran. They moved to Lakeland, which they loved, in
1985 and lived there the rest of their lives.
Lew was an Elder at Shepherd Road Presbyterian Church, attended Trinity Presbyterian
Church, and was a founding member of Redeemer Church in Lakeland where he also
served as an Elder and taught Sunday School. He belonged to several veterans’
organizations including the American Legion’s China Post 1, the 3/4 Cavalry
Association, and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. He and Judy were also
active in the community and involved in the Mayfaire-by-the-Lake art show for many
years.
Lew was preceded in death by his wife Judy, his parents Lewis and June Barger, and
his sister Nancy. He is survived by his children: Lewis L. Barger, III and his wife Judy of
San Antonio, Texas; Robert Stephan Barger, his wife Kate, and his daughter Anna of
Hudson, Ohio.
A memorial service will be held on July 5th at 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Presbyterian
Church, 1520 West Pipkin Road, Lakeland, Florida, followed by a reception. Interment
will take place at Florida National Cemetery on July 7th with a family graveside service.
Contributions in his memory in lieu of flowers may be sent to Redeemer Presbyterian
Church, 1520 West Pipkin Road, Lakeland, Florida 33811.