John Burr Barnard III

John Burr Barnard, III, born on October 31, 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri died in Plano, Texas on February 29, 2024. He was the cherished son of Rosemary and John Burr Barnard, Jr. John received his BS in Industrial Relations at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, and an MBA at the University of Missouri. After college, he forged a successful career in labor relations at Ford Motor Company in Kansas City, then Frito-Lay in Dallas,Texas. He left a lasting impact as a fair and impartial arbitrator and was able to uphold ethical standards, without succumbing to pressure or corruption. After retiring from Frito-Lay, he became a highly sought independent arbitrator who loved what he did and kept working well until into his 80’s.

John was a talented baseball player and at 19, tried out for the St. Louis Cardinal’s Minor League. He continued to love baseball and infused his enthusiasm of the game in his children and grandchildren, many of whom inherited his talent, aptitude and heart. Whether recounting wild arbitration experiences, or bringing excitement into the ordinary with his sardonic wit and clever sense of humor, he had a captivating gift for storytelling. There was nothing quite like the enthusiasm John would exude from the thrill of raising his prized box turtles and spending time with beloved dog, Maddie and the endless sense of joy he felt in the presence of friends and family. The family dogs were all great recipients of his love and generous table scraps. John had a compassionate heart for animals, both wild and domesticated. As a boy he would often come home with an injured racoon, snake or abandoned puppies and kittens patiently nursing them back to health. As an Eagle Scout he learned the love of nature and was extraordinarily knowledgeable of the history of Native American tribes throughout the midwest and south. He was also a prolific gardener and painted for relaxation.

He was preceded in death by his best friend and soulmate of 64 years, Lynne Carroll Barnard. In high school, John and Lynne met on a blind date on a Friday the 13th. They were happily inseparable, and together they were a force who embarked on an extraordinary adventure filled with love. Lynne was the love of his life and he missed her dearly after her death two years ago.

Many of John’s fellow arbitrators loved and respected him. One wrote, “I have represented unions over the years… and John Barnard was one of the finest Labor Arbitrators who was fair, had a heart, ran a great hearing, and was a really good human being. He was a friend and will be missed.” Another friend said, “He was a great arbitrator and proof that folks who worked on the other side (he was an HR Manager for Frito-Lay) can become great and very fair in their decisions. Finally, a dear friend and fellow arbitrator shared, “John was easily one of the most employee sensitive arbitrators I have ever known. Period. His heart and intellect were something to behold. His rulings were superb. His employee empathy, structure fair in management lawyers. All working people will mourn his passing, whether they knew John or not.”

John was a devoted Catholic who attended both Saint Rita and All Saints, Catholic Churches in Dallas, Texas. He and and his wife, Lynne had four children of whom he was extraordinarily proud. He was the epitome of a strong and loving father instilling in them the values of a well-balanced and loving life.

John enjoyed the warm embrace of family and he and Lynne would host parties and gatherings with the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

John is survived by his four adoring children, of whom he loved deeply. Jack (Amy), Walt (Trudy), Tim (Jennifer) and Dana Berdon (Lee) and twelve grandchildren. Johnny, Luke, Tess, Brendan, Connor, Kristen, Kimberly Lauren, Aubrey Michelle, Annabelle, Ashten and Brennan. Five great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was the oldest of 11 children; he loved and was loved by all of his siblings despite incessant babysitting duties and hanging an infinite number of diapers on the clothesline. He leaves behind his six sisters, Rosemary “Sugar” Goldblatt (Nathan), Mary Ellen Brady, Katie Linder, Sheila McAdam (Mike), Bridget Mancano (Joe) and Terry Barnard Penland; two brothers, Dan (Cindy) and Tom (Debbie). He is predeceased by one sister: Patty Sayers (Frank) and one brother, Jim.