Barna was born in Luverne, Alabama on April 15, 1925, to parents William Barna Pope, Sr. and Nonie Mittie Law. He proudly served his country in the Marine Corp during both World War II and the Korean War. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech.
On March 19, 1955 he married the love of his life, Mary Margaret, and the family grew to a family of 5 with the addition of daughters Rebecca (Becky) , Elizabeth Anne (Betty Anne), and Valerie (Lynn). The family moved to Houston, Texas, in 1958 where Barna enjoyed a successful career in the Oil & Gas industry working for Shell Oil.
Barna was a family man who enjoyed spending time with his children, grand children, and great grandchildren. He was passionate about history and learning languages. A devoted Christian, he and his wife attended Crossroads Baptist in The Woodlands, Texas.
Barna was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Pope, daughter Becky Pope, parents WIlliam Barna and Nonie Mittie Pope, and his brothers and sisters.
Barna is survived by daughters Elizabeth (husband Dale) Wicker and Lynn (husband Gary) Kennedy, grandchildren Matthew, Michael, Marshall, Nathan, Shelby and Kendall, and several great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Samaritan's Purse or Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Barna's memory.
