Donald Ray Barnard, age 85, known affectionately as Don to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at his home in Pittsburg, Kansas. Born on October 12, 1939, in the small town of Arcadia, Kansas, Don’s life was a testament to his enduring spirit, and his love for his family. After graduating from Pittsburg High School, Don began what would become a distinguished thirty-three-year career as an engineering technician and maintenance supervisor with the Kansas Department of Transportation. He was also dedicated to the Masonic fraternity. A respected member of the Arcadia Masonic Lodge, which later merged with the Girard Masonic Lodge, Don served with distinction as a Past Master, providing leadership and guidance to his fellow
Masons. In 1957, Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, Barbara J. Pummill. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. As a couple, Don and Barbara ventured to the warmer climates of South Texas for about twenty years, where they cherished the sunshine and the vibrant community they found there. Don’s Christian faith was a cornerstone of his life, providing him with strength and comfort throughout his years. He lived his life as an example of kindness, generosity, and faith. A man of many talents and interests, Don had a passion for music that was as deep as it was infectious.
Whether strumming his guitar with local bands in Texas or serenading his loved ones at home, his music brought joy to all who listened. His love for the outdoors was evident in the care he took in maintaining his garden and the patience he showed during his fishing excursions, both activities that allowed him to appreciate
the beauty of nature.
Don’s legacy is carried on by his beloved wife, Barbara, of the home in Pittsburg, his four children, Scheryll Hodges (David) of Lonoke, Arkansas, Richard Barnard (Connie) and Robert Barnard all of Arcadia, Kansas and Joeseph Barnard (Jody Lea) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Wayne Barnard of
Burlingame, Kansas and two sisters, Sharon Foster of Pittsburg, Kansas and Linda Turner of Ft. Scott. Don was preceded in death by his son, Donald Barnard, Jr. and two granddaughters, Andrea and Jennifer. He will be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted father, and a loyal friend. As we bid farewell to Donald Ray
Barnard, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey well-traveled, and a soul that has truly made a lasting impact on this world. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew him, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of his loved ones forever.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, July 14 th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place at the Sheffield Cemetery near Arcadia, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.