Jack Barnard died Friday, March 27, 2020, at 8:50am. By his side was his loving wife Pat, holding his hand, as was their daughter Judy, who has provided daily care for both of them for the past several years,
Jack was born in Archie, Missouri, on the family farm January 3rd, 1932.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patsy Ann (Witt) Barnard and their four children and spouses, Jenifer and Greg, Judy, Carter and Jeanne, Kelly and Tracy. In addition, he had 14 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 4 step great grandchildren, with another one on the way, and 2 step great great grandchildren.
He graduated from Archie Highschool in 1948 and joined the naval reserves in 1950 where he served until 1958.
He graduated from Kansas State University in 1954 with a BS Major in Agronomy and a minor in Ag Economics. He went on to get his Masters of Science from the University of Missouri, Columbia in 1967.
Jack’s given name was James Erwin Barnard. James, being a prominent Barnard first name, he legally changed his name to “Jack”, after he continued to receive other James Barnard’s mail. When the clerk asked him what he wanted his middle name to be, he said, “Jack, just Jack, no middle name needed”. That was Jack, matter of fact. If you knew Jack, you know he always had a smile, something positive to say and probably a good story to go along with it. Jack was good to the marrow. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, hunter, marksman, fisherman, scholar, athlete, salesman, TV weatherman, gardener, story teller (all true), jokester, driver (no more than 2 miles per hour over), although in later years his foot seemed to grow heavier… A quick story Jack probably never shared, but one that we’re proud to tell of him. Jack was at a large agricultural convention in Denver Colorado, with both domestic and foreign agricultural secretaries present. The main speaker was not able to appear, so they asked Jack if he could step in and say a few words on the subject. Without any preparation, he gave a 45-minute oration that ended with a standing ovation.
Jack was the most honest, ethical man I have ever known, he was the greatest example of outstanding morals and character anyone could be, and something everyone should aspire to be. I am so proud to be able to have called him my dad. He was a man of few opinionated words, often his support and caring were not spoken but shown through his actions, he was always ready to lend a hand. Jack walked the walk rather than talk the talk.
Jack, who had never been to a doctor until he was in his 80’s, went through very intrusive medical procedures the last few years of his life. Even through all of his pain and uncertainty, he still joked with his doctors and nurses and made them smile. They all stated what a joy it was to care for him, and our family thanks them all. A really good human has left us, his indelible smile and patriarchal personality will be with us always.
Jack was cremated and asked to have part of his ashes spread on his family farm in Archie Missouri where he grew up. He will be buried on a hillside overlooking the farm.
Jack was preceded in death by his father James Lee Barnard and his mother Nellie Mae Cushard Barnard
We miss you. We love you. Happy fishing, Pops.
A memorial service for Jack and Patsy Barnard will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 9th, 2022, at the Norton Christian Church, Norton, with Pastor Nate Hagen officiating.