Thursday, June 4th, 2026
Larry Barga
Larry Leo "Tires" Barga, 76, of Versailles, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Larry was born prematurely on November 5, 1949, at home in Brock, Ohio, to the late John and Levadia (Speelman) Barga. Determined to survive from the very beginning, he spent the first two months of his life resting in a shoebox on the oven door to help keep him warm and growing strong.
He grew up as the oldest of four siblings and is survived by his sister, Peg (Danny) Beam of Ansonia; and brothers, Joe Barga and Tim (Sharon) Barga, both of Versailles. Larry graduated from Versailles High School in 1968 before proudly serving his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1970 to 1972. During his service, he was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
Larry is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Bonnie, whom he met at the Versailles swimming pool. They were married on September 29, 1973, and together built a loving family with their three children: Traci (Jason) Anthony of Versailles; Corrie (Brian) Holthaus of Minster; and TJ Barga of Versailles.
Larry was a proud and devoted grandfather to nine grandchildren: Connor and Caroline Anthony; Carmen, Hank, and Allie Holthaus; and Jac, Brody, Beau, and Charlee Barga. He also had a special love for the many dogs he cared for throughout his life. Larry is also survived by many dearly loved nieces and nephews.
In his younger years, Larry was an avid softball player and coach, spending more than 30 years playing for and coaching teams including The Lost C, Bill Ahrens Plumbing & Heating, and Creekside. He traveled countless miles, won thousands of games, and built lifelong friendships with teammates he considered brothers and sons.
Larry also enjoyed spending weekends at Eldora Speedway watching his favorite drivers, Donnie Moran, Devin Moran, and Steve Kinser. Friends and family knew they could always stop by his box seats for some of his world-famous popcorn.
Another of Larry's greatest joys was the family pond he built with his own two hands, where many gatherings and celebrations were shared over the years. He was also passionate about horseshoe pitching and traveled throughout the country competing and winning against some of the best players around.
During football season, Larry could often be found hosting Cleveland Browns parties in his garage, and during basketball season, cheering on the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team. Above all else, though, his greatest joy was supporting his children and grandchildren at their sporting events and extracurricular activities. No matter the event, Larry was always there in the front row, cheering them on.
Larry dedicated 42 years of service to Clopay Corporation before retiring in 2011. Following retirement, he spent 10 years mowing lawns for Groff's Mowing and Lawn Care, doing something he truly loved. At home, he spent hours caring for and mowing his own lawn for passersby to enjoy.
Larry enjoyed the simple things in life and those things brought him the most joy. He will be remembered as a hardworking man, a fierce competitor, a loyal friend, and someone who never met a stranger. He was a wonderful father who would do anything at any time for his children. He was a dedicated and loving husband for 52 years.
A celebration of Larry's life will be held at a later date. Information will be shared with family and friends, and all are welcome to attend and share their favorite memories.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to EverHeart Hospice.
