Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Sterling Barger, USMC

Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Sterling Barger, 38, of Pensacola, Fla., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. GySgt Barger was born in Santa Barbara, Calif., on Dec. 9, 1973, to Shannon Elizabeth (Barnes) and Connie Beecher. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, camping, road trips and triathlons. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on Dec. 27, 1994, and served in various different units as an Airframes Mechanic and Aerial Gunner on CH-53 Helicopters. GySgt Barger served in numerous operations and exercises, including Operation IraqiFreedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Desert Thunder and Southern Watch. His military decorations include the Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Presidential Unit Citation.

GySgt Barger is survived by his wife, Leanne Barger of Pensacola, Fla.; sons, Jacob Delaney of Orange County, Calif., and Tristan Barger and Garrett Barger, both of Pensacola, Fla.; mother, Shannon Barger and father, Connie Barger, both of Placerville, Calif.

A Memorial Service was held at 10:30 a.m, on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at Perdido Bay United Methodist Church, 13660 Innerarity Point Road in Pensacola, Fla., with Dr. Darren McClellan officiating. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Sentinels of Freedom online at sentinelsoffreedom.org. Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel of Pensacola is in charge of arrangements.