Long time Weatherford, Texas, resident, Herbert Dean Barnhart, passed away at home, Saturday, June 17, 2000. He was born Jan. 28, 1931, in a farming family, in Monon, Indiana.

From childhood Herb was geared for success. He took pride in his appearance, grades, job performance and his personal values. Always a self-starter, Herb was a natural leader. In the Marine Corps, as luck would have it, he had the distinction of serving in the First Fire Team of the First Squad of the First Platoon, A-Company, First Battalion, First Marine Regimen and First Division. Perhaps these "first" rankings set the tone for a life of achievement, generosity and bravery. It's no surprise to those who knew him that he became Drill Sergeant with an Honor Platoon, received the Purple Heart from action in the Korean Conflict, was called up for active duty during the Bay of Pigs political crisis and retired from the Texas National Guard in 1979, with the ranking of Command Sergeant Major.

Herb and his first wife Joan relocated to Texas after both discharged from the Marines in 1954. The following year their daughter Janet was born in Fort Worth.

In 1954, Herb began a 35-year U.S. Postal Service career spanning many duties as letter carrier, station manager, route examiner as well as local and State volunteer offices with the National Association of Postal Supervisors.

Sharing a love of country roots and family unity, Herb married JoAnn Chipman of Millsap, Texas, in 1976. They met through the Post Office where JoAnn is currently the Post Master of Millsap.

Herb always knew what he wanted and how he felt about issues of concern. Being well-organized, having good thinking abilities and a sharp wit, a creative pin aided to his charm. He has many friends and admirers, however, when he was a drill sergeant, a commander, a supervisor of letter carriers, a church youth camp counselor, an Optimist concession stand chairman, a church board chairman, or any other duties he tackled, he was unwavering in his commitment to thigh standards. Some found him to be a hard taskmaster, but most appreciated his ability to get the job done.

Funeral arrangements were through Whites Funeral Home in Weatherford. By Herb's request, closed casket visitation was Tuesday afternoon. Services were in Central Christian Church, Wednesday, June 21^st.

Burial was in Poe Prairie Cemetery, at Milisap.

He is survived by wife JoAnn of Weatherford, a daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Alan Porter of Hurst, brothers, Max and Del of Grandview, Texas, Don of Highland, California and sister Alma of Worth, Arkansas, along with nieces and nephews.

"Barney" to fellow workers, "Herb" to family, "Brother" to closer ones, "Herbie" to a special few, "Mr Barnhart" to so many, respect is a common threat, shared by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, Herb had requested donations be made to the following organizations: Central Christian Church Building Fund, Poe Prairie Cemetery Maintenance Fund and the Monon Civic Preservation Society.