Van "Phil" Phillip Barnard

He was born January 24, 1941, in Elk City, Oklahoma. Phil served his country for 20 years in the United States Army from 1959 to 1980 during which he served overseas in the Vietnam War, and tours in Korea and Germany. He was awarded a National Defense Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and a Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars.

He married Sharon “Sherry” Boland on August 8, 1969, in Choctaw, Oklahoma.

Upon retirement from the Army, the family settled in Choctaw, Oklahoma, where he became a civilian employee at Tinker Air Force Base where he worked for more than 20 years and retired in 2005. He and Sherry moved to Midwest City in 2020.

He was devoted to his family and was a faithful Christian. With his deep bass voice, Phil loved to sing. He was a part of a traveling military choir and would sing specials in church with his favorite song to perform being “Because He Lives.” He enjoyed his grandchildren, loved dogs, going fishing, and being with family and friends telling stories and jokes. He was ever joyful with a big laugh and never met a stranger.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Ruth (Baber) Barnard; in-laws, Eugene and OraLee Boland; brother Wayne Barnard and brother-in-law Michael “Mike” Boland.

His memory is kept alive by his wife Sharon Barnard of the home; one daughter and son-in-law, Crystal and Scott Stuhr of Versailles, New York; two grandchildren, Matt Barnard and Tabby, and Kacy Unsell and Lyndon; and three great-grandchildren, Andrew Barnard, Arlow Marsley, and Kyler Unsell; sister, Melody Barnard of Eufaula; sister-in-law Else Barnard of Shawnee; sister-in-law Linda and Robert Smith of Oklahoma City; 3 brothers, John and Jan Barnard of Checotah, Purl “Spud” and Kayleen Barnard of Edmond, Brent and Debbie Barnard of Moore; and a host of beloved relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 11, at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home, 8805 NE 23rd Street, Oklahoma City. Service will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 12, at the same location. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Choctaw, OK.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eisenhourfuneralhome.com for the Barnard family.