Feb. 28, 1924 – July 21, 2011
John Bumbarger, 87, formerly of Sweet Home, passed away in Louisville, Colo. on July 21, 2011.
He was born Feb. 28, 1924 in Morrisdale, Pa., the youngest of 12 children of Ellen and Howard Bumbarger.
Following his graduation from high school in 1942, Mr. Bumbarger served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was a sonar operator and a member of the classified UDT #3 Team (SEALS).
Following his discharge from the Navy, he rode his motorcycle from Pennsylvania to Oregon, where he worked in the timber industry. He was a contract logger and a successful business owner for many years prior to his retirement in 1982.
Mr. Bumbarger married Evelyn Follesvold in May 1948, in Sweet Home.
He was a founder and charter member of Fir Lawn Lutheran Church. He assisted in the building and painting of the church structure. He was very involved in church activities, helping with the Lutefisk Dinners and serving on the church council. He was also a past member of the American Legion and the Sweet Home BPOE. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Mr. Bumbarger is survived by his son, Lorin; daughter Janene; three grandsons and one great-grandson; sisters Emma Birky and Alice MaGraw; and his beloved care provider, Kathleen Orcutt.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn; and daughter Charlene.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 28 at Fir Lawn Lutheran Church. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in Mr. Bumbarger’s name to Fir Lawn Lutheran Church.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.