Herschel Barnhart

Herschel Barnhart, age 91, died September 4, 2015. He was born in Reno Hollo on April 9, 1924. He moved to Chestnutridge at the age of 13. He and Lorene were introduced by his sister Merle, and first celebrated their birthdays together at the age of 13. They were married on March 11, 1944 in Harrison, Arkansas. Herschel and Lorene ate their first meal as newlyweds at the Branson Cafe. Herschel and Lorene began their current homestead in 1949-1950. Herschel worked 30 years in road construction as a dirt hauler and bulldozer operator. He was part of the crew that built the original Hwy 65 and Hwy 160. After he retired he farmed by growing hay and raising cattle. He baled his last round bale of hay at the age of 89 and last used his bulldozer at the age of 90. Herschel was well known for his skills on the bulldozer and many of the ponds, fence rows, and foundations of homes in the local area and beyond were cleared and leveled by him. Herschel was well known and respected in the community and will be forever missed and loved. Survivors include: his son, Jeff Barnhart; sisters-in-law, Imogene Holt and Faun Barnhart; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Herschel was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brothers, Harold and Jack; and his sisters, Merle and Margie. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 10. 2015 in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. Burial will follow in Schupbach Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon-2 :00 p.m. immediately before the funeral service. Donations may be made payable to Chestnutridge Baptist Church. You may also post condolences on his Facebook page, or at www.AdamsFuneralHome.net.