Elmer Eugene Bare, 85, of Abingdon, Va., passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at Oakmont at Gordon Park in Bristol.
He was born June 18, 1933, in Washington County, Va., to the late Baxter Wagner Bare and Jessie Lorena Bare. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Rochelle Ann Bare.
He was a veteran of the United States Army having served during the Korean War. During his time of service he was the recipient of 13 medals one of which was a Bronze Star. Elmer was very proud to be a local self-employed business owner since 1969 when he and his brother founded Bare Brothers. His future businesses included Pit Row Market and Bare’s Discount Tobacco and Wine.
Elmer was an avid musician, motorcyclist, golfer and longtime member of the Virginian Golf Club and Glenrochie Country Club. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include his four children, Debra A. Bare of Abingdon, Jeanne B. Summerfield and husband, Steve of Abingdon, Ricky Bare and wife, Lisa of Abingdon and Amy E. Bare and wife, Candace of Charleston, SC; six grandchildren, Julie Bare, Jordan Johnson and wife, Jordan, Callie Loupe and husband, Jordan, Stevie Summerfield, Emily Stewart, Kaitlyn Bare and Karen Houser; two great grandchildren, Minnie Lane Loupe and Chloe Elise Stewart; one brother, Johnny Bare and wife, Wilma of Abingdon; two sisters, Glenda Woods of Roanoke and Betty Fawcett and husband, Bob of Clearwater, FL; special friends, Connie Daggs, Sally Skeen, Danielle Blevins, Lorraine Matney and Debbie Houser; his precious puppies, Hutch and Higgins; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Oakmont at Gordon Park in Bristol.
Visitation will be from 5 to 6:45 p.m., Tuesday, January 15, 2019, in the Frost Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m., in the chapel with Joe Scroggin and Floyd Bailey officiating. A committal service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday in Knollkreg Memorial Park. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday morning to travel in procession to the cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Gary Carrier, Jordan Johnson, Jordan Loupe, Richard Leonard, Johnny B. Bare and Tim Ruble. Honorary pallbearers will be Chip Musick and Richard V. Musick.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts are suggested to Abingdon Christian Academy, P.O. Box 604, Abingdon, Va., 24212.
Frost Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 250 East Main Street, Abingdon, Va., is honored to serve the family of Mr. Bare.