Jesse Jacob “Jake” Barger, 88, of Bedford, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 19, 2024. He was born in Natural Bridge on June 25, 1936 the son of the late Jesse Woodrow Barger and Fannie Pearl Harris Barger. Jake graduated from Natural Bridge High School and then joined the Marines. After his service to his country, he attended Randolph Macon College in Ashland, VA. where he played football, thus starting a long running streak of attendance to the oldest rival game in Virginia; Randolph Macon – Hampden Sydney. Jake attended a consecutive 61years cheering “Go Jackets”. He then taught school where he also was a coach of several sports for 13 years. Leaving the teaching profession, he began a career with Blue Cross Blue Shield as a regional sales manager for the next 20 years. Upon retirement Jake enjoyed traveling to watch his grandchildren play in their multiple sports and adventures. He was an avid golfer and collector of various things, and also found time to race a car or two. He was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and sang in the choir. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Barger. Jake is survived by his wife of 68 years, Judith Anne Crawford Barger; a son, Patrick Barger (Renae); a daughter, Elizabeth Page, (Mark); five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; his sister, Jane Brookman; his brothers, Joe Barger (Linda) and Jerry Barger (Sarah); a sister-in-law, Martha Barger; a brother-in-law, Jim Crawford (Jo); numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2024 at Trinity Baptist Church, 947 Lyle Street, Bedford. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Trinity Baptist Church, 947 Lyle Street, Bedford with Rev. William Owsley and Rev. Vernon DeLong officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.