William Rankin Barnard

Major William Rankin Barnard Major William Rankin Barnard, or “Bill,” a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, passed away January 27, 2024, due to complications with pneumonia. A son of Charles and Neva Barnard of Oakland City, Indiana, Bill was born on June 20, 1933. He grew up there and later attended the University of Indiana at Bloomington where he earned a degree in Bachelor of Arts. At age 25, Bill enlisted in the USMC in which he served two tours as a communications officer in the Viet Nam theatre of war, was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement in 1970 while serving as the ROTC officer at Northwestern University, and finished his service at the National Security Agency in Maryland, retiring in July 1975. Bill is survived by his brother Kenneth Barnard, son Gregory Barnard, nephews Evan Barnard and Charles Barnard III, niece Eva Barnard Lisle, and first wife Bonnie Newton Weathers mother of his two sons. Predeceased by brother Barney Barnard, son Brett Barnard and granddaughter Nicki Barnard Dalton. Bill loved the arts—paintings, sculptures, theatre, music, literature and especially film—as his shelves packed with books, walls crowded with paintings and stacks of hundreds of DVDs will attest. Bill loved life and all the pleasures it offers. He was a kind and generous man, demonstrating strength and integrity, adventurous with honor. He was an instant friend to all; he never met a stranger. A service honoring the life of Major Bill Barnard will be held at Montgomery Cemetery, Oakland City, Indiana, on Saturday February 10th at 3PM.