Richland County Couple Found Dead in their Cabin

An Olney couple was found dead Sunday morning, December 2, 2012 in their cabin on North Prairieton Road. Richland County Coroner said the bodies of Barry Bergbower, age 48 and his wife, Erin age 36 both of Olney were found dead shortly before noon by a friend who knew they were staying there. There are no signs of foul play, they died of carbon monoxide poisoning according to Richland County Deputy Coroner, Jeff Gray.

Barry Bergbower, 48, of Claremont, died at 1:03 p.m. Sunday, December 2, 2012, in rural Richland County.  Mass of Christian Burial with Father Joe Molloy and Father Al Kemme officiating. Burial in Trexler Cemetery in rural Newton.

Barry was born July 21, 1964, in Olney, the son of Eugene T. and Judy M. (Derler) Bergbower. He married Erin Sparks on November 21, 2009, in Olney.

He enjoyed life to the fullest, alongside his wife, Erin. He was an avid outdoorsman who claimed that his chowder was the best in Southern Illinois. He camped and rode motorcycles and ATVs. He loved to tinker and could fix anything. His family and friends were very important to Barry. He will be greatly missed. He was employed as a department supervisor at Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney.

Barry is survived by parents, Gene and Judy Bergbower, of Olney; brother, Bradley Bergbower and companion, Vickie Newton, of Olney; sister, Barbara Hunt, of Indianapolis, Ind.; sons, Sean Kilgore and Josh Kilgore; grandma, Annette (Anita) Bergbower, of Newton; and nieces and nephews, Holly, Matt, Kris, Shantell, Isabell, Maggie, Tyler and Selena.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) ~ December 4, 2012