Mervin "Barney" Ray Barnhart, 78, formerly of Monon, died Friday, March 12, at Indiana Veterans Home in West Lafayette. He had been ill for five years.

He was born Jan. 7, 1921, to Lloyd and Gladys Botts Barnhart, in White County. He was married Sept. 8, 1940, to Elizabeth Johnson, in Wolcott and she died Sept. 29, 1994.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He lived most of his life in the Monon community.

He worked as a carpenter most of his life, and also worked at Monon Trailer for 10 years.

He was a member of the Monon Eagles Lodge, where he was a past president and the Reynolds V.F. W.

He is survived by three sons, Ray, Donald and Lloyd, all of Monon; four daughters, Kathryn Young. Debra Duncan and Beverly Lowe. all of Monon, and Becky Madlung of Monticello; four brothers, Max and Delbert, both of Grandview, Texas, Don of Highland, Calif And Herbert of Weatherford, Texas; a sister, Alma Spencer of Wirth, Arkansas, 26 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.

A son and granddaughter are deceased.

Funeral service was Tuesday at Kellogg Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Birch officiating.

Burial was in Bedford Cemetery, Monon, with full military rites.

Memorials may be given to the America Cancer Society.