Raymond "Jody" Barnhart

Raymond Joseph Barnhart, or Jody to his family and friends, was born on November 23rd, 1946 in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Raymond Heston and Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Nottingham) Barnhart otherwise known as Lily or Grandma Louise. He grew up in a household with one brother, David and one sister, Mary Jane. Growing up, he dearly loved a hunting trip, an afternoon fishing and his 1967 Dodge Dart. Long after he grew up, he still loved them just as much. Following school, he enlisted into the United States Army in February 1965, and served in the Fourth US Army, 2nd Battalion, 1st Arty, and was awarded two overseas service bars in Vietnam, the Vietnam Service medal with a Bronze Star, and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged February 1968, after attaining the rank of Corporal. He was married on September 26th, 1954 to Barbara Avon Carney, after a whirlwind romance, it was love at first sight. Together, they enjoyed 58 years of memories and fun and raised a daughter, Tammy. They enjoyed a good night out and a little dancing, a little fun at the casino, and a lot of fishing, especially at Ear Bob off Ft. Gibson Lake. Jody liked to watch old westerns and listen to Willie Nelson. He loved playing guitar and singing and wanted his grandson, Corey, to learn, which he did with flying colors. He earned his living as a RV Mechanic and owned and operated Jody’s RV Service. Jody was easy to talk to, everyone’s friend, and would do anything to help a fellow human being in time of need. He had a wonderful smile and a contagious laugh. Jody never seemed to run short of time and talent to help others. There was nothing more important to Jody than his family, he adored them and loved every Sunday or holiday spent in their company. Barbara preceded Jody in death in 2012, he kept close to his family and continued catching the big fish every chance he had. A Christian by faith, he was a member of the Church of Christ. The Lord called this hard working husband, father and grandfather home from his many labors on Monday, June 5th, 2023 in Broken Arrow, OK. He was 76 years old and will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, David and Nancy Nottingham, and Wiley and Ethel (Cradduck) Barnhart, as well as his mother and father, his wife of 58 years, Barbara, one brother, David Barnhart and one sister, Mary Jane Goad.

Those left to cherish his memory include daughter Tammy Kay Alascano and husband Lawrence of Coweta, OK, and sister-in-law, Sherry Barnhart. He will live on in his three grandchildren, Misty Lavon Wilson and husband Jeff of Alabama, Corey Barnhart and wife Karen of Chouteau, OK, and Johnny Barnhart and wife Carrie of Nowata, OK. He also leaves two great grandchildren, Landen Barnhart and Chloe Barnhart, as well as nieces and nephews, Linda Barnhart Edwards, David “Colton” Barnhart and Bethany Barnhart Simpson, and many cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.

Graveside services for Raymond Joseph Barnhart will be conducted on Monday, June 12th, 2023 at 2:30 PM at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery with Chaplain Joel Powell and Army Honors being rendered by Ft. Sill Casualty Team. The family will host a visitation on Saturday, June 10th, 2023 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home in Tahlequah. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.reedculver.com for the Barnhart family.