Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Herbert Barger, 90, of Fort Washington, MD, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2017, surrounded by his four children.

Herb was born in Concord, TN on July 4, 1926 to Lovie George & Nannie Kate Grant Barger. 

He was drafted into the Army in Nov 1944 at the age 18.  After WWII ended, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee, .but a year later he decided to reenlist in the newly established Army Air Corps.  In 1973, after twenty-nine years of military service, he retired from the United States Air Force.


With time on his hands, he took up genealogy after learning his wife was related to Thomas Jefferson.  He discovered Evelyn was a first cousin six times removed from Mr. Jefferson.  His interest was piqued and this became a passion with him. Herb & Evelyn co-authored several family genealogical books.

In 1998, a Jefferson DNA study was done in which Herb provided the necessary genealogical information needed to perform the study.  After results of the study showed a Jefferson family connection to the Hemings’ family, Herb realized information given to the public was very misleading.  This lead him to found the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society in 2001.  He showed much courage in his pursuit of truth & justice for Mr. Jefferson.  He was never intimidated & proved that one man can make a difference.

He was a man who believed strongly in God, his country and truth.  He was a member of Providence United Methodist for more than 48 years.  

He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Evelyn D L Bomar.  He is survived by his children, Linda Patterson (Jim), Pamela Buell (Frank), Harold Barger (Carol) & Rebecca Hart (Michael).  He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren & other family & friends.

The family will welcome friends at George P. Kalas Funeral Home in Oxon Hill, MD on February 2 from 4 to 7:00 p.m.  An additional viewing on February 3 will be held 10-10:50 a.m. followed by a celebration of Herb’s life at 11:00 a.m. at Providence-Ft. Washington United Methodist Church, 10610 Old Fort Rd., Friendly, MD  20744, with Rev. Kermit Clifton Charles Moore & Herb’s grandson, Justin Patterson, officiating.  Private burial will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Providence-Ft. Washington United Methodist Church, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society (TJHeritage.org).


Herbert Barger

Herbert Barger

Send Flowers