Duane R. Barnard, age 90, of rural Knox City, MO passed away early Tuesday morning, July 21, 2020 at his residence.
Born July 7, 1930 in Normal, IL he was a son of Paul Moulton Barnard and Blanche C. Smith Barnard. He was united in marriage to Cheryl L. Runquist May 11, 2014 at the Henry Sever Lake, Newark, MO
Surviving are his wife, Cheryl of rural Knox City, MO; four children, Paula Barnard of Marshall, TX, Linda Wentz and Tony of Decatur, IL; Bradley Barnard and Amanda of Marshall, TX and Deanna Barnard and Christopher Combs of Tuscaloosa, AL; two step-children, Jamie Adair and Joseph Cooper of Guyton, GA and Ryan Adair of Knox City, MO; ten grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Louise Smith Barnard and two brothers, Paul Gene Barnard and Frank Morris Barnard.
Duane graduated from high school in Rankin, IL. At the age of 17 he entered the United States Army National Guard. After serving nearly thirty-five years, he retired having obtained the rank of sergeant major. He served with the 66th Brigade 47th Infantry Division headquarter in Decatur, IL. Duane was stationed in Okinawa, Japan during the Korean Conflict, and he was an active member of the Newark American Legion until it closed. He then became a member of the Knox City American Legion Post.
During his life Duane was a successful businessman and entrepreneur by owning and operating a laundry mat, an apartment complex, multiple residential properties, a used car dealership. He worked many years in the civil service sector as well as selling John Hancock Life Insurance very successfully.
In 1983 Duane purchased a farm in Knox County, MO and became engaged in farming as his mainstay occupation. In August 1997 Duane and his family moved to Pensacola, FL where they resided for twelve years after which he moved to Eupora, MS for a few years before returning to his farm in Knox County.
Duane enjoyed farming, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. He and Cheryl attended the Edina United Methodist Church. Duane had a very full life and devoted most of it to praying with others, serving his Lord Jesus Christ, and working with the Knox County Ministerial Alliance. Time and time again he showed his caring and compassionate heart for strangers who crossed his path. His Christian faith was strong and he expressed it often to encourage others in their daily walk. As his life drew to a close the word “Amen” was continuously on his lips as the Lord was calling him home.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, July 24, 2020 at the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO. Reverend Kent VanMeter will officiate the services. Music will be provided by Jamie Adair singing “How Great Thou Art” and Martha Marie Huse singing “In The Garden”. They will be accompanied by Marsha Pinson.
Casket bearers will be Jerry Miles, Christopher Combs, Scott Runquist, Dennis Barnard, Joseph Cooper and Ryan Adair. Honorary bearers will be Steven Runquist and Brad Cutforth. Burial with full military honors provided by the Missouri Military Honors team will be at the Newark Cemetery, Newark, MO. Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday, July 23, 2020 at the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO. Memorials in memory of Mr. Barnard may be made to the Knox City American Legion and or the Knox County Ministerial Alliance. Memorials may be left at or mailed to the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63537