Funeral services for William Joel Barger, 62, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, will be 11 A.M. Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Box Cemetery in Vian, Oklahoma.

William Joel Barger fought a long and courageous battle with cerebellar ataxia, which took his life on May 26, 2023, at his home in Tulsa at the age of 62.

Joel was born to Billy “Sie” George and Nellie Sue (Hight) Barger on December 27, 1960, at Alameda Naval Hospital in Alameda, California, where Sie was stationed. The family traveled and lived in several places before Sue returned to Sallisaw with Joel and Steve while Sie continued his military service.

Joel attended and graduated from Sallisaw schools, where he was on both the football and wrestling teams.

He leaves his wife of 32 years, Debra Ritter-Haraway Barger of Tulsa, son Brandon Barger and Mary, and granddaughter Taylor of Tulsa. Stepsons Joe and Misty Haraway, Brody and Brek of Muskogee, Shawn and Sandy Haraway, Dillion, Matt, and Bayley of Webbers Falls. His brother Steve and Alex Barger, Jacob, Tony, and Sam, and their family from Pueblo, Colorado. Sister-in-laws Sally Armstrong and Mona Bennett from Vian, Oklahoma. As well as many aunts, cousins, and dear friends.

Joel worked in sales all his life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and watching the OU Sooners and Dallas Cowboys football.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Viewing will be from 2:00 – 5:00 PM, Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Forever Memories Funeral Services in Sallisaw, Oklahoma.

Joel’s celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, graveside at Box Cemetery in Vian, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers are Mike Taylor, Jimmy Quackenbush, Jason Hight, Brandon Barger, Jacob Barger, Dewayne Barger, Joe Haraway, and Shawn Haraway.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forever Memories Funeral Services of Sallisaw, Oklahoma.

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