Bernard Kreiger

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Bernard Lee Kreiger Sr. known as (Barney) to friends passed away went to be with the Lord June 28, 2020 after a lengthy Illness, many family members who passed will be there to welcome him to heaven. He was 92. Bernard resided in Joplin, Mo. and passed away at Wildwood Senior Housing Joplin, Mo.

Bernard (Barney) born in Lowell Kansas May 24, 1928 to August and Nellie Kreiger. Bernard was the 3rd of 5 children, August (BILL) Kreiger Jr., Norma Kreiger Marvin D Kreiger, who have all passed. Lena McBeth who resides in Boulder, CO.

Barney was raised on a farm in the Crestline, Kansas area. He attended the old Crestline School where he would get up early and walk to school before it started and put wood in the wood stove to heat the school before class. He also attended Columbus High School. 

Barney joined the United States Navy and served for 3 years and was stationed in Dixon, California where he met Mary Trocke which they later married in 1946 in Carson City Nevada, Mary passed away Oct 11 2018. 

Barney and Mary had 3 Children still living Shirley McWilliams of Crestline, Ks, Bernard L Kreiger Jr (wife Elizabeth) Sheridan, Wy and Vanessa (husband Monty) Cudney Baxter Springs, Ks. Barney worked for Brighton Sand & Gravel Perkins, Calif. as a diesel mechanic for approximately 17 years. 

Bernard and Mary moved back to Kansas in 1967 to help his parents with the family farm. Barney spent the next 20 plus years working as a Diesel Mechanic at Yellow Freight Baxter Springs, Ks. retiring at age 62. Barney spent the remainder of his life living in the general area. Barney enjoyed spending time with his family and enjoyed life. 

Barney left behind 8 grandchildren, Scott McWilliams Crestline, Ks. and Sean McWilliams (married to Kim) Rogers, Ark. Nathaniel Kreiger (married to Tanya) Gillette, Wy., Kendra Rono (married to Dhillon) Sheridan, Wy., and Seth Kreiger (Soon to be married to Sadye) Sheridan, Wy., Melissa Scott Miami, Ok. Jeremy McDonald who was preceeded in death, Rebecca Hardy (married to Josh) Baxter Springs, Ks. Barney also has 10 great grandchildren, Brody and Blake McWilliams Rogers, Ark, Alexis and Dakota Kreiger Gillette, Wy.,Grace And Elizabeth Rono Sheridan, Wy., Brook and Ally Scott Miami, Ok., Faith and David Hardy Baxter Springs, Ks. Barney was a very special family man and always friendly to all and helped anyone in need. An anchor to all his family.

Memorial graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Park Cemetery, Columbus, Kansas. Doug Wilkerson will officiate. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.