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.
No fund set up at this time.
Mr. & Mrs. Barge, I feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to get to know John. He was quite but we always shared a smile or two every time I saw him. I just found out today moments after you( Hal) walked in. Just wanted you to know that I was always thinking about him and will continue to. So sorry for your loss.
John,
I hope you have an easy transition and an amazing adventure on the other side.
Until we meet again brother –
All the love,
Luke
Hello Elizabeth and Hal, I’m very sorry to hear about John. My many prayers has gone out for him over the years. God knows best. Please receive my deepest condolences at this time. I love you with the love of the Lord. Betty Barnes.
What a tragedy to lose a life so young–I’m so sorry for your loss! And although I never met him, it is obvious he was a wonderful and talented soul. I hope the thoughts at John 11:23, 24 can be of comfort to his family and friends, since that inspiring conversation assures us that we can one day embrace our dear loved ones we have lost.
Hal, Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.