Wayne County Press
Fairfield Illinois
Monday, Oct 3, 1983
Page 2

Rickey D. Barnard, 34, a well known Wayne City businessman, owner-operator of Barnard Tire Service there, died at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, 1983, at his business in Wayne City.

Death was from a gunshot wound to the head, according to Wayne County coroner Bob Johnson, who pronounced Mr. Barnard dead at the scene. Mr Barnard was found sitting in a chair with a fired shotgun Lying on the floor by the chair His body was found by Mrs. Louise Richardson, of Richardson's Funeral Home, Rahn Thomason and Deputy Jay smith.

A few minutes earlier, the Press was told. Mrs. Richardson received a call from Mr. Barnard saying that he planned to take his life and for her to come and pickup the body. She pleaded with him to no avail. At once she rushed to the scene but it was too late.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the First Christian Church, of Wayne City, with Bro. Mark Potter officiating. Burial will be in Thomason Cemetery.

Visitation will be held after 6 p.m. Monday (tonight) at the First Christian Church. Richardson's Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Mr. Barnard was born in Wayne county Jan. 24, 1949, the son of Lavern and Doria (Draper) Barnard.  He graduated from Wayne City High School in 1967.

He was married to the former June Loker at Keenes June 15 1968.

Mr. Barnard was a member of the Keenes Christian Church

He was currently serving as a Wayne City volunteer fireman. He had been  active in that organization for several years. Mr. Barnard was hurt in the line  of duty some time ago when he fell from a burning grain silo while fighting a  fire near Wayne City. Extensive hospitalization was required before his recovery  from the accident.

Mr. Barnard had served in the Illinois National Guard.

Survivors include his wife Jane Barnard, of Wayne City; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lavern Barnard, of Centralia; one son, Kevan Barnard, at home; two daughters, Beth and Cathy Barnard, at home; one sister, Mrs. Allan (Sandra) Simpson, of Mt. Vernon; and maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Rex Draper, of Keenes.