Richard Vale Barnard, 97, passed away at his home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri on March 3, 2025. Dick, as he was known to family and friends, was born December 26, 1927, in Borger, Texas to John L.  and Mattie Barnard. 

Dick was the proud graduate of University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (1951). Dick was a salesman for WR Grace supplying agricultural chemicals to farmers across Missouri and Kansas. 

Dick married the love of his life Evelyn Parminter on June 19, 1949. They raised two sons, Greg and Bill, and daughter Andie. Dick and Evelyn lived in Columbia and Lockwood, Missouri, Chanute and El Dorado, Kansas while raising their children. 

Dick and Evelyn enjoyed their time with friends playing cards, square dancing, and travelling. Dick liked being outdoors, working a farm, snow skiing, boating, golf, and hunting. Dick and Evelyn moved to Lee’s Summit in 1992 to be near their children and grandchildren in the area.

Dick was active in the First Baptist Church serving as a deacon in the churches they attended. Dick delivered Meals on Wheels to those in need in the Lee’s Summit area. He could talk to anyone and was willing to help where he was needed. 

Dick is survived by his wife of 75 years, Evelyn, his sons Greg, Bill (Darlene), and his grandchildren, Amy (Steve), Jeremy (Bobbi), Erin (Jon), Caitlin, and Luke (Hailey). Dick also has four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Frank and Don, and sister, Sanny, and his daughter Andie.

Graveside services for Dick will be held at a later time. 

Any donations made in Dick’s honor can be made to First Baptist Church of Lee’s Summit or a charity of their choice.