John Bumbarger, formerly of Sweet Home, passed away in Louisville, Colorado on July 21, 2011.

He was born February 28, 1924 in Morrisdale, Pennsylvania, the youngest of twelve children of Ellen and Howard Bumbarger.

Following his graduation from high school in 1942, John proudly served his country in the US 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. John was a contract logger and a successful business owner for many years prior to his retirement in 1982.

He married Evelyn Follesvold in May, 1948 in Sweet Home, Oregon.

John 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. John was a past member of the American Legion and the Sweet Home BPOE. He was a avid hunter and fisherman.

He 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 John’s life will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, July 28, at Fir Lawn Luthern Church in Sweet Home. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made in John’s memory to Fir Lawn Lutheran Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.