John L. Barge

July 26, 1992 - May 25, 2020

Memorial Gifts & Donations

John Lafayette Barge of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away suddenly on May 25th after a nine-year struggle with mental illness. He was born to Hal & Elizabeth Barge on July 26, 1992 in Boston, MA.  He was preceded in death by his grandfather Walter S. Barge, and his grandparents Jim and Miriam Dunham.

John was an accomplished young man. He was a graduate of Norfolk Christian School and Virginia Tech, where he earned a degree in Chemistry. He studied abroad in both Spain and Germany, where he learned to speak both languages. John was a skilled project scheduler at Oceaneering International and a software developer at Techark.  He was an avid outdoorsman; he spent his youth in the Boy Scouts, and earned his Eagle Scout Award in 2009. In recent years, he hiked all but 200 miles of the Appalachian Trail, in two large sections.

Despite his struggles, John was an excellent son, a loving brother, and a good friend; he leaves behind a host of witnesses to this fact. He was a committed Christian and loved to read and study the Bible, on his own and with his group in Bible Study Fellowship.

He is survived by his parents, Hal & Elizabeth Barge, his sister Emily Barge (Denver), grandmother Sarah Barge (Buies Creek, NC) family friends Martha & Paul Petersen and Mark(Oak Hill, VA); mentors Will Cox (VA Beach) and Matthew Mizenko (VA Beach), many loving aunts, uncles and cousins and his church family at First Presbyterian Norfolk.

There will be a Service of Witness to the Resurrection Friday, May 29th at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church at 820 Colonial Ave, Norfolk.  Because of current gathering restrictions, there will be limited seating in the sanctuary and First Hall. The service will be live-streamed at www.fpcnorfolk.org and all who wish are encouraged to participate remotely.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends making a donation in John’s name to Tyndale Theological Seminary (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Bible Study Fellowship International or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.  We are greatly comforted to know that John passed from life to life and he lives because Jesus lives.

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Julie Etheridge
3 years ago

We’re so sorry to hear about John. As his fellow Eagle Scout Tom said when I told him, “He was a really good dude”! I can’t think of a better tribute–

Our thoughts are with you all!
Chas, Julie and Tom Etheridge

James Sorrentino
3 years ago

Dear Hal,

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I will pray to Almighty God for peace, strength, and comfort be with you and your family during these sad times.

James Sorrentino

Ed Skeeter Radcliff
3 years ago

Hal and Elizabeth,

I was so sad to hear of John’s passing, he was a great kid and I am glad that I had the pleasure to know him and to work around him on many of my projects, he will be missed by many. Praying for you and your family during this difficult time.

R,
Skeeter

Cathy
3 years ago

Hal, Elizabeth and Emily,
I had the opportunity to get to know John. He was a wonderful, smart and pleasant young man.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this tragic time.

Dixie Torrech, former BSF leader
3 years ago

Dear Elizabeth – I recognized your name and read, with deep sadness, John’s obituary this morning. The Psalmist declares, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 I’m so sorry. Praying forGod’s comfort for your family.

Lisa Burrell
3 years ago

To The Barge Family – may God give you the strength to make it through this difficult time. I am glad I had the opportunity to meet him. John was a wonderful young man, he was kind, good hearted and respectful. My God hold you tight and comfort you.

Adriene Crawley-Dent
3 years ago

Hal and Elizabeth,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved John. I remember him fondly from the brief time we worked together on a special project at Oceaneering.

May your precious memories soon bring you comfort. As believers, you know that you are not alone. For our Father God holds you in his hands.
John 10:27-29

Rich Bryant
3 years ago

Hal, our love to you and your family during this very difficult time.

God’s love and peace on you.

The Bryant’s

Steve Vonheeder
3 years ago

Hal and Elizabeth,

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. John left a great impression on all he met. He was an incredibly talented young man. May you be comforted by the knowledge that he is with God in Heaven.

My sincerest condolences,
Steve

Natasha Menier
3 years ago

Hal & Elizabeth,
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted ~ Matthew 5:4

I enjoyed working with John & getting to know him. He was so smart and funny and liked burritos more than anyone I’ve ever met.

May God give you peace and comfort as you mourn this tragic loss. My family is lifting yours in prayer.

My deepest condolences to your family,
Natasha Menier

Funeral Ceremony

May 29, 2020
2:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church
820 Colonial Ave.
Norfolk, VA
Directions


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