Olin A. "Barney" Barnhill

Olin A. "Barney" Barnhill Dowling Olin A. "Barney" Barnhill, 87, died Friday, November 12, 2010. He was born in Paragould, Arkansas on January 21, 1923 the son of Huston A. and Dora Ann (Barnes) Barnhill. Barney served his country as a Staff Sgt. in the United States Army Air Force from 1943 1945. He served as a B-24 Tail Gunner in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes and in Air Offensive I Europe being awarded 4 Bronze Stars during his tour. Barney owned and operated Barney's Glass and Barney's Radiator and Auto Body Supply from 1954 until his retirement in 1977, when he sold the business. He served as a member and former President of the Lakeview Business Association, as a member of the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce, the Builders Association, the National Glass Dealers Board of Directors, Battle Creek Chapter of the American Business Clubs where he was a member of the Big Hat Club and was the founding President and Administrator of the Michiana Glass Dealers Association. In 1974, he was nominated and selected to appear in the 1974 edition of the Who's Who in Michigan. Barney married Ruth M. Jarvis on April 1, 1941 in Paragould, Arkansas' she survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Teresa (Richard) Hamilton of Dowling; a son, Jimmie Barnhill of Oklahoma; 6 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great great grandson and a sister, Violet Mae (James) Garner. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Roy and Harold Barnhill. Barney served as a member and former President of the Pennfield School Board for more than 16 years and was very active with Junior Achievement. He was also a member of the Optimist Club, Eagles Aerie #299, the Pennfield Exchange Club, American Legion Post #54 & #45 and was a life-member of the VFW. Barney had a huge heart and loved to help others, particularly children. He was very active in his Masonic Fraternity. Barney was a member of the Ira A. Beck Lodge # 503 F&AM and was also very active in the Saladin Shrine Temple, Grand Rapids where he served as a Potentate's Aide, the Battle Creek Shrine Club where he served as President in 1985 and the Mini-500 Patrol Parade Unit which he served as director for 6 years helping to raise funds for the Shrine Children's Hospitals.. Barney enjoyed fishing, gardening and traveling in his motor home with his wife, Ruth and friends. He also enjoyed working with his flowers and fruit trees in Florida, spending time with his family and friends and parading in his Mini-500 Shrine car. At the request of the family, they will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8, Wednesday November 17th at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, where a Masonic Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service to celebrate Barney's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Thursday November 18, 2010 at the funeral home with Pastor Jeffrey Worden, officiating. Interment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens with full Military Honors. Memorials may be directed to the Shrine Hospitals for Children or to the Hickory Corners Bible Church. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.