Harlie "Jerry" Barnard

Jerry, a native Austinite, was born on November 7, 1934, to Harlie and Margie Barnard. He attended Pease Elementary, the University of Texas Junior High and Austin High School, where he graduated in 1953. He enlisted in the United States Army and served at Fort Bliss, Texas until 1956. He received numerous athletic awards during his Army service.

In March 1957, Jerry joined the Austin Fire Department. The same year he met and married Betty Louise Barnett. At the time of his death, they were married 68 years.

Jerry was an avid fisherman that spent many a day on Central and East Texas lakes. As a member of the Austin Bass Club, he won Big Bass of the Month numerous times. He enjoyed hunting and golf in his spare time. He loved University of Texas sports and the San Antonio Spurs.

In 1989, Jerry retired from the Austin Fire Department as a Lieutenant. He always wanted to live on the lake and as soon as his lovely wife retired, they moved to Lake Falcon in Zapata, Texas, where they lived for approximately 32 years.

When not at home fishing, Jerry and Betty enjoyed traveling on cruises and visiting other states for site seeing adventures, including a casino or two!

Jerry is survived by his wife Betty; their children Debbie and Michael Bartz and Jerry Barnard. His grandchildren: Melissa and Rey Espinosa, Scottye and Allen Pannell, Josh and Candice Bartz. Jerry was known to his 6 great grandchildren as Pops and they made him chuckle quite often: Tanner, Greyson, Audrey, Gus, Montgomery and Rox will miss him dearly.

The family will receive visitors on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Cook-Walden North Lamar Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 11:00am at Cook Walden-Memorial Hill Cemetery.