COL (Ret.) John H. Barner

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, January 30, 2012 in The Main Post Cemetery, Ft. Benning, GA, according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA, 31907. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 3 to 5 PM at the funeral home.

COL (Ret.) Barner was born November 8, 1918 in Northampton County, PA, son of the late Della and Abram Barner. He was a 32-year veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the Infantry in every rank from recruit to colonel. His decorations include two Purple Hearts, Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantry Badge with Star.

COL (Ret.) Barner commanded an infantry company during World War II in Germany, a cavalry battle group during the Korean Conflict, and an infantry brigade in Vietnam. His additional foreign service included duty with I Corps in occupied Japan, and with the Northern Command of NATO in Norway. COL (Ret.) Barner also served six years on the Army General Staff in the Pentagon and was awarded permanent possession of the AGS Identification.

COL (Ret.) Barner had a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University and served as the Director of Western European Studies on the faculty of the Army War College. His final tour of duty was Director of the management and budget office at the Infantry School, Ft. Benning, GA. After retirement from the U.S. Army in 1973 he worked as a Real Estate Broker in association with the late Gene Watson.

Survivors include his wife, Helen S. Barner; a daughter, Barbara Ann Barner of Atlanta, GA; a granddaughter, LisaMarie Nelson, of Asheville, NC, a great-grandson, Chandler John Nelson, of Asheville, NC; three cherished step-sons, Roger Willis of Bethlehem, GA, Joseph Willis of Colorado Springs, CO, and Richard Willis of Colorado Springs, CO; two sisters, Virginia Trego of Fairhope, AL, and Hazel Leung of Buffalo Grove, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Army Historical Foundation for The National Museum of the United States Army.