Mr. Norman Conway Barnhard's Obituary
Norman went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 30, 2014. “Stormin' Norman” was born July 11, 1933 in Muskegon MI to DeVere and Nellie Barnhard. He was a 1951 graduate of Muskegon Heights High School receiving 3 varsity letters in football. His greatest joy in life was every moment that he spent with Sylvia, his wife of 62 years, whom he married on October 18, 1952, and his seven children. As a family they enjoyed his love of the outdoors with a passion for hunting, fishing, camping, sunsets, and anything to do with the University of Michigan. Many Fruitport residents will attest to his passion for coaching. He served in the Fruitport Little League Football and Muskegon County Connie Mack leagues mentoring young men for many years in that capacity. Norm had a heart of gold and never met a person he wouldn't help. Mr. Barnhard's employment history includes Muskegon County School Employee Credit Union, Banner Linen Service, Farr View Dairy, Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department, and Fruitport Police and Fire Departments. Grandpa Barnhard loved his 32 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren with all his heart and sought to show them what a servant's heart really meant. He will be lovingly missed by his wife Sylvia (Hackney) Barnhard and children Shelly (Dwight) Tobaison, Norman Scott (Cheryl) Barnhard, Douglas (Wanda) Barnhard, Mary (David) Vaught, Dori (Dennis) Shimer, Kathleen (Scott) Gould, Valerie Barnhard and “adopted” child, Robbie (Blackman ) Stokes, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and his sister, Carolyn (Leo) Vanderkooi. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Kenneth. VISITATION will be Sunday, November 2nd from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm at Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey Street, Norton Shores MI 49444. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Monday, November 3, 2014 at Bethel Baptist Church, 213 West Oak Street, Fruitport MI 49415. The service will be officiated by grandson, Pastor Benjamin Vaught. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the loving care providers from Heartland Home Care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heartland Home Care, 3230 Eagle Park Drive NE #200, Grand Rapids MI 49252.
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