Russell D. Barnhart

Russell D. Barnhart of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at his residence.

He was born June 21, 1922 in Terre Haute, IN to the late Dwight & Jane Barnhart; he came here 45 years ago from Terre Haute, IN. He was a retired heavy equipment operator for Polk County, a member of the First Baptist Church in Lake Wales and a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. He participated in six European campaigns, including the landing on Utah Beach and the Battle of the Bulge. He was also a member of the V.F.W. and 129th AAA Gun Battalion.

Russell was preceded in death by his daughter, Rusty Farmer. Survivors include his wife, Winton Milford Barnhart; step-daughters, Valerie Boholander of Fort Lauderdale, Devonie Hetke of Moose Jaw, Canada and Landi Bohner of Brandon; son, Richard Barnhart of Indiana and Butch Barnhart of Canada; step-sons, Steven Campbell of Brandon and Michael Campbell of Plantation; 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 AM, Friday, November 13, 2009 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund or Cornerstone Hospice.

To view the webcast of his service, please click the link below:
http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/100702