Vint Michael Barnard, 62, of Norman, passed away June 26, 2022, at Norman Regional Hospital, due to pneumonia and long-term lung damage from multiple cancer diagnoses and treatments. He was born to Ted and Ruth Barnard on December 14, 1959, and lived the majority of his life in Norman. Vint attended Norman Public Schools and worked for the City of Norman for twenty-seven years in the Sanitation Department where he performed several different jobs, including driving a compost truck. For several years, Vint struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, but he managed to stay clean and sober for the last twenty-five years of his life. On March 25, 2000, Vint married the love of his life, Donna McKenzie, and they remained partners-in-crime until his death. Together, they enjoyed taking road trips, cruising, playing slots, and attending Lynyrd Skynyrd concerts across the country. Vint was notorious for his love of cats, and over twenty years dozens visited his and Donna’s home; it was almost like they knew he would be there to feed and take care of them. He will be deeply missed by his cats Cheddar, Diamond, and Pancho but one of the last things he did was to share where he hid their treats, just to make sure they would still get plenty. Vint waged a fifteen-year battle with three different lung cancer diagnoses, but he always remained in good spirits and kept chugging along. He was also a longtime fan of the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma City Thunder and spent many hours watching their games and following both teams.
Vint was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Barnard and his nephew, Aaron Donwerth. He is survived by his wife, Donna Barnard, of Norman; his parents, Ted and Ruth Barnard, of Norman; three daughters, Bambi Underwood and husband Kody, of Gotebo, Shawna Warrior and wife Samantha, of Wichita, Kansas, and Katrina Dillwith and husband Earl, of Stillwater; one son, Kevin Barnard; two sisters, Anita Nicks, of Norman, and Sheila Mathis and husband Rob, of Virginia; as well as nine grandchildren and many other relatives and close friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 30 from 2 to 3pm at Primrose Funeral Home followed by an internment at Denver Cemetery. The family requests attendees wear Oklahoma Sooners or Oklahoma City Thunder shirts, if possible. He will also be available for viewing on Wednesday, June 29 from 5 to 7pm. Anyone who would like to stop by and share a story or say their goodbyes is welcome. Pallbearers will be Edward Donwerth, Derek Donwerth, Justin Donwerth, Blake Donwerth, Brett Johnson, and Greg Boydston.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.primrosefuneralservice.com for the Barnard family.
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