Harvey Monroe Barnhart

Harvey Monroe Barnhart, 90, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 15, 2014 in Odessa, TX. He was born to Whit M. and Sudie Mae Barnhart on October 21, 1924 in Athens, TX. His family later moved to Graham, TX where he attended school until 1945 when he was inducted into the U.S. Army. Harvey attended basic training in Maryland, and later automotive school in Atlanta, GA. He was eventually sent to Luzon in the Philippines where he was stationed for five months. From the Philippines, he was sent to South Korea where he continued repairing and maintaining vehicles. At the end of World War II, he was honorably discharged from the 1st Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Infantry Division as Battalion Motor Sergeant. Harvey returned home to Graham and chose to remain in the inactive reserves.

In 1948, he moved to Odessa, TX to work for Phillips Petroleum Company until he was recalled to the Army in September of 1950. After reporting to Fort Hood, he was quickly sent back to Korea. In April of 1951, Harvey was hit by a piece of shrapnel in his neck, resulting in his capture by Chinese soldiers. He was taken to two different camps, but he spent a total of 882 days as a POW. While captive, Harvey earned the nickname “Mother Barnhart” for his unwavering faith and strength during the many months of hardship, serving as an inspiration for others. He quickly became known for his handiwork and his fellow prisoners asked him to make some musical instruments. After gathering tools and materials, he was able to make 5 instruments. He created a bass fiddle, Spanish rhythm guitar, tenor guitar, a mandolin and a banjo. The prisoners often played his instruments to entertain themselves and pass the time. In September of 1953, Harvey was repatriated and received by neutral troops of the United Nations. Unfortunately, when he came home he had to leave behind the bass fiddle, but was able to keep the two guitars. Harvey was discharged from the U.S. Army on December 2, 1953 as a Sergeant First Class.

Harvey received numerous honors and medals for his service, including a Purple Heart, Korea Service Medal with Bronze Star, POW Medal and the Republic of Korea Service Medal in 2004.

After settling down in Odessa, TX, Harvey married Jean Smith, whom he had met while stationed in Atlanta, GA years before. They had four children together and were married for 34 years until Jean passed away in 1988. Harvey later remarried in November of 1989 to Patsy R. Wood. Harvey was a devout Christian and dedicated his life to serving the Lord and his country.

Harvey is survived by his sisters Winnie Shepherd of Bridgeport, TX, Ruby Copeland of Saginaw, TX and his brother R.D. Barnhart of Graham, TX. He is also survived by his wife Patsy Barnhart of Odessa, TX, and 3 children: Cheryl Clifton of Belton, TX, Toni Hillier and Kevin Barnhart, both of Odessa, TX as well as 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his brother Bobby Gene, first wife Jean Smith Barnhart, daughter Joyce Henderson and granddaughter Kimberly Henderson.

Visitation will be held at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6-8 pm. Services will be in the chapel at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 19th at 2 pm. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.