Freeman Wayne "Sonny" Barger

Freeman Wayne “Sonny” Barger, 76, of Marion, passed away Friday, September 8, 2023, at the Veterans Affairs Community Living Center in Marion.

Sonny was born June 8, 1947, in Harrisburg to Freeman and Verda Barger.  After the passing of his parents, he and his six siblings were raised by Wayne and Eula Barger.  He married Phyllis McMichael on August 30, 1968, in Rantoul, Illinois.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Phyllis Barger; son Brian (Misty) Bager; daughter Mary Lou (Jake)Crews; grandson, Jacob Crews; brother, Stanley Barger; brother-in-law Robert (Clara) McMichael; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Freeman and Verda Barger and Wayne and Eula Barger; brother Gerald Barger; sisters Jean Jennings, Maxine Erb, Marie Carnes, and Sharon James.

After graduating from Pope County High School, he joined the Air Force.  He served as an Air Medic during the Vietnam War.  He earned his nursing degree when his enlistment ended.  He went on to work at several medical facilities: Harrisburg Hospital, Bureau of Indian Affairs Hospital, and the Veterans Affairs Hospital.  He also worked for the Illinois Department of Corrections.  While employed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons he earned his Physician Assistant Certification.  He retired from Marion Federal Prison after twenty-seven years of government service.

Two things Sonny really enjoyed were deer hunting with his son, Brian, and golfing with his grandson, Jacob.  He had a fun sense of humor and spread a lot of joy and laughter.  He had an appreciation for the simple things in life.  He loved his family dearly and cherished spending time with them.

Memorial contributions can be made online to woundedwarriorproject.org or mailed to Binkley-Ross Funeral Home, 1702 West Boulevard Street Marion, Illinois 62959, in honor of Freeman “Sonny” Barger.