01/09/2026
Patrick "Pat" Jon Barger, 33, of Columbus, Indiana, was welcomed into his eternal home by his Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 6th, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Patrick had a special way of reflecting God's heart and joy to everyone around him. And while his cancer stripped him of so many things, he did not allow it to take away his joy or his faith in God, the object and means of that joy. In the midst of intense pain, Pat could still be found joking with his friends and family, finding little ways to care for his wife, Emily, and raising his hands in praise to God. Pat was determined to worship God publicly and behind closed doors, recognizing the Source of his strength and his salvation. He refused to let cancer have the last word; instead, we know that Jesus had the last word in Pat's life, as He welcomed him home into His Rest. And we trust that on that day, Pat heard the words, "well done, my good and faithful servant," from the Savior, Himself.
Second to Pat's love for Jesus was his love for people. Pat spent his 33 years welcoming others- into his home, into his life, and into his community at church. Patrick was born on April 29th, 1992, to Ronald and Patricia (Duncan) Barger, and he grew up in Grosse Ile, Michigan, where he was beloved by so many family members and friends. A proud "youth group kid," he spent his teenage years hanging out with friends and growing in his faith, and he enjoyed countless laughs and vacations to Myrtle Beach with his family. From a young age, he was completely satisfied when he had time with good friends, a good meal, a good sugary drink, and a good nap.
After graduating from high school, Pat moved to Springfield, Missouri to attend Baptist Bible College, where he pursued a degree in Biblical Studies and met his beautiful wife, Emily. There he continued to grow in his faith and in his ability to pull off a good prank and practice his dance moves anywhere and everywhere on campus. After moving back home for a stint to recover from a serious accident, he moved to Columbus, Indiana to help plant Athens Church, where he worked as the Connections Lead, using his gifts to welcome people and help them get connected with the community there. It was in Columbus that he and Emily were married on October 29th, 2016, and started a beautiful life together.
In more recent years, Pat enjoyed attending, serving, and participating in community life at Terrace Lake Church, where he and Emily are members; becoming a coach at his local CrossFit gym; hosting a pop-up coffee shop with Emily at their home; getting away for a beach vacation- any time, any beach; and having slushies, inside jokes, and deep conversations during outings with his friends. No matter where he was or what he was doing, Pat had a natural gift for making others feel at home and assuring them that they belonged. He will be so deeply missed because of the deep impact he had in the lives of those who were blessed to know him. In our grief, we can find comfort and hope in the fact that, because of Jesus, one day we will get to see (and dance with!) Pat again, in glory.
Patrick is survived by his wife, Emily (Dies) Barger, of Columbus, IN; His parents, Ronald and Patricia (Duncan) Barger, of Grosse Ile, MI; his brother, Justin (Emily) Barger, of Allen Park, MI; his sister, Anna Barger, of Wyandotte, MI; and many other dear family members.
A funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Carey Edgren at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Terrace Lake Church, 4260 W. 200 S., Columbus, Indiana, 47201. Family and friends may also gather for a visitation from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Terrace Lake Church and one hour prior to the service on Saturday, at the church. A memorial service will be conducted in Michigan at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Terrace Lake Church at https://terracelake.churchcenter.com/giving/to/barger-memorial.
Arrangements were entrusted to Community Funeral Care in Edinburgh, IN.
