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VAN BARFOOT Obituary
(USA Ret.), our father, of Henrico County, went to be with his beloved wife, Norma Davis Barfoot and his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday March 2, 2012. Born June 15, 1919 in Edinburgh, Miss. to Sim and Elizabeth Barfoot, he dedicated his life to God, his family and his country. His military career began March 1940 and spanned 34 years, which included him receiving the Medal of Honor in WWII. He was a patriot in every sense of the word. He was devoted to his beloved wife, Norma, who went to be with our Lord March 20, 1992. He loved his four children and their spouses, Van T. Jr. and Kay, Jim and Leah, Odell and Karen and Margaret Nicholls and Roger, in addition to 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings. He is also survived by his sister, Freddie Hall of Jackson, Miss. and many nieces and nephews.
During his life, he touched the lives of people around the world. He will be missed by so many. To Dad: We want to thank you for being our father. We love you more than we could ever tell you. We rejoice you have found ultimate peace.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 4, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Bliley's-Central, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, Va. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center, 1601 Broadrock Blvd., Richmond, Va. 23224.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cora Dean Hughes
July 4, 2025
Thank you for your service to our country. We are free because of the brave such as yourself.
Jerry Dauphinee
July 24, 2024
COL Barfoot may never know the life-altering impact his counsel & advise had in 1968 on a young Infantry Captain in shaping the way forward between tours in Viernam.
Thank you Colonel, and best wishes in your new adventure in Heaven!
Bill Held
April 4, 2020
Very sorry to read this. Condolences to all Mr. Barfoot's family and friends. A true patriotic American and a hero to us all. Thank you sir.
Barbara Daniels
February 4, 2020
God bless you Sir...fly high with angels..Rest Well...Thank you for your honorable service.
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Len Lindenmeyer
August 12, 2018
It is amazing how stories travel all over the world when someone has the backbone to stand up. He loved his country, he served his country, and he represented the best in his country. We are fortunate to have people like this in America. May we all take an example from Van Barfoot and live up to the example he has set. May he rest in peace having served his fellow man and his country with honor and distinction.
Bertrand Trottier
April 6, 2018
A true American Hero deserving everyone's respect. God Bless You, Sir.
Bertrand Trottier
Last US Navy Bugler
www.buglerusn.us
Kenneth Yagodinski
February 12, 2018
GOD BLESS YOU SIR! OUR NATION MOURNS YOUR PASSING GREATLY!
Semper Fi!
Elvira Thompson
February 2, 2018
He was what we should called a Hero, not as some call a Football player a hero because his team whom a game.
Thank you Sir, for your service.
From the proud wife of +55 years marry to an 20 tears of service in the US Air Force an a Vietnam Veteran.
Jerry Long
July 18, 2017
He's what America should be all about. Thank you, sir.
Dee McHugh
July 6, 2017
RIP Col Barfoot. Thank you for your service and for your deep and abiding commitment to everything that symbolizes America.
Gary Summers
October 30, 2016
R I P Van Barfoot thank the man above for you being here and your service. Gary Summers USMC
Cathy Jablonsky
September 19, 2016
Thank you dear sir for your service and bravery all the way to the end. God has called home his guardian angel.
Jacqueline White
November 12, 2015
Did not know you, but I honor you for your true patriotism and Christianity. Wish we had more like you. My sympathy to your family.
Jacqueline (Missouri)
July 18, 2015
I didn't know you but I honor and thank you for your service to our Country, your love of family, and your faith in Jesus Christ. I am humbled to add my name...thank you...we need more like you in America...
Jim Cipriano...Burlington, NJ
Richard Tyson
February 25, 2015
This world needs to highly respect our Veterans. You never know who is standing next to you,give respect. Thank you for fighting and giving me my freedom in this great country I live in. May you rest in peace.
Carolyn Skelcher
February 8, 2015
Thank you SIR for you all around courage. REST IN PEACE .
Praying for more America's to stand up for America.
February 6, 2015
Ken Cummings
Jack Bramblett
January 23, 2015
Mere words cannot convey the true loss of a Patriot as yourself. I so wish our country had many more just like you. With heavy heart I say goodbye. May God forgive us and bless us once again.
Susan Stolitza
September 9, 2014
Our world has lost greatness with your going. May God keep you in his hands. Thank you for your tremendous sacrifices for all of us.
Kathy Brown
August 29, 2014
I mourn the loss of this extraordinary patriot, who loved his country and procured for me-for all of us-all we have today.
But I love to think of the bliss enjoyed by this gentleman now, so close to the throne of God. 'Well done, good and faithful servant!'
Charlene Shroyer
July 10, 2014
Just got an email from a friend sharing the passing of Mr. Barfoot. I remember the story concerning the flag and I am so proud of him standing his ground. Wish I could have known him, I would have stood by him. God bless his family and friends...GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
June 10, 2014
A wonderful representative of "The Greatest Generation".
Curtis Lane, North Carolina
Thank You for your service.
juli Vachon
May 22, 2014
Dear Barfoot Family, I learned about this through a friend who is a Vietnam Veteran. Im Truly Saddened to hear of your loss. The world just lost another special man, who we can never replace. Sincerely,
Winnie Hawkins
May 9, 2014
Reading about you and hearing the story about the flag makes me wish I could have met you! What an incredible and patriotic man you were. God Bless you and God Bless America!
felicia merchant
May 2, 2014
i had to honor to be Col Barfoot's escort during the Medal of Honor Convention in charleston, sc a few years ago. His family and himself were very nice and so easy to get along with. Truly an amazing hero. Hope to see you again in heaven one day. SrA Felicia Merchant USAF. (Charleston, SC)
Jim Cipriano
March 26, 2014
I am honored just to read of this Great American...a true hero. I hope he is with his Lord. Thank you for your service to our Country. Condolences and prayers to the Barfoot Family.
Harry Simpson
March 12, 2014
Rest Van, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
don gould
April 8, 2013
my cpt in ft richardson ak van t barfoot a truly wonderful man 1971
Larry Lee
January 12, 2013
A true American Hero. He will live forever in our hearts and minds.
Sonny Stefanski
December 19, 2012
God bless you Col. Barfoot and God bless America
Judy Adkins
October 29, 2012
Dear Barfoot family,Just learned of this brave and courageous man ! What a legacy he leaves behind! Sooo.., wish I could have met and shaken his hand. How proud you must be. The best example of an American soldier , now living with his Lord and Saviour !!
Judy Adkins (Greenville, NC)
Connie Lynch
September 26, 2012
E-mail brought you into all our hearts. We fought with you on your battle with your fight to keep your flag flying high, as we yelled out on our side of the computer. "You go, Mr. Barfoot!!!"
God holds you now in his hands but we will always hold you in our hearts. You Go, Mr. Barfoot, you have earned your rest.
Bonnie Britton
June 7, 2012
Dear Barfoot Family: Appreciate opportunity to sign the guest book because we've often thought of your brave Dad and wish we could have met him. My family feels as if we knew him through his unfailing service to and love of America and it's flag. Such patriots inspire hope for future generations. Hope he and my Dad (WWII& Vietnam) are exchanging stories and laughs and watching over America with their unique grace. Your Dad will NEVER be forgotten. God Bless You
Kenan Walker
June 5, 2012
Thank you Col. Barfoot for being a true American hero and being a huge inspiration for our country. I salute you sir! God Bless you and your family, and America.
Doris & Dennis Dorsey
June 3, 2012
What a hero and Great Man, he loved his Country and fellow man. I read many emails about your dad and wish I could have met him. He is an inspiration to everyone. God Bless him and your family and God Bless America.
Doris & Dennis Dorsey
Atlantis, Florida
Dena McCracken
June 3, 2012
God Bless this American Hero and may the sacrifices he made for his family and Country never be forgotten. Van Barfoot, a true American Hero.
Lisa Bailey
May 28, 2012
Unfortunately, for me, I never had the honor of meeting your father, Colonel Van Thomas Barfoot. I learned of his heroism in his military career and his personal life though an e-mail commemorating heroes on Memorial Day. He was one of the most awe-inspiring of The Greatest Generation.
May the wonderful memories in your hearts and the peace only the Lord can provide carry you through these difficult times.
David Williams
May 10, 2012
Thank you, Colonel. You personified everything both great and good about this country. I hope many learn from your example. Rest in the Lord's peace.
Lucy Groh
May 9, 2012
God Bless Van Barfoot and may the world know that Mr. Barfoot stood for all of the good qualities of American and its Godly principals of freedom for all. May his family know real Americans are very proud of his life and his service to his country! Rest in peace, Sir., Lucy Groh, Anchorage, Alaska
Billy Kelley
May 4, 2012
Although we have never met, You will always have a place in my heart .Thank you once again for your patriotic service.May God bless you and your family.
Brian Moseley, CPL USA
May 2, 2012
Col Barfoot, i had the honor once of being welcomed into your home and helping you lower the colors. You were a great American. My condolences go out to your family. Godspeed, Sir.
david murphy
April 8, 2012
i did not know you, but you are a american hero. my uncle charlie bronze star us army ww2 uncle leon white kia ww2 pacific.god bless you. former marine david murphy 62-66.
Senator Leticia Van de Putte
April 2, 2012
Dear Barfoot Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved. There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time.
Although I did not have the honor and pleasure of knowing him, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom.
His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.
Steve Bran
March 30, 2012
Thank-you for your service to America.
Jesse Lich
March 27, 2012
Forever lay in Peace. You have become an inspirational role model for me. Thank you for your service.
Rivky S
March 13, 2012
bs'd
G-d bless you for lending your father to us. May you and he now be in peace.
Mark Wells
March 13, 2012
Your family and your country will forever be proud of your service. You were the greatest generation.
Fred Beyer
March 13, 2012
Dear Family,
I didn't know your Father, but am a Navy Veteran and appreciate a brave Veteran and his service to his country. God bless him for his display of Patriotism and dedication to all of us. This must make you all proud. May God comfort you all in your loss. Hold on to the memories.
March 12, 2012
Sleep in peace.... job well done faithful servant.
Bill Wall
March 10, 2012
Your Daddy has been a hero for me ever since my Dad introduced me to him in the early 60's at the Fort Lee Golf Course. They were good friends and loved to kid each other. My Dad and mother thought the world of him and I last saw him at my Dad's funeral.
He embodied what every American should try to be. I mostly remember thinking how gentle and kind he was and comparing that to all the awards he had recieved. He was a true treasure and I can only hope that my sons and grand children grow up to be people like your Father. I will miss him. Hopefully he and Dad can play golf again. He was the Real Deal, nothing fake about him. God Bless him.
roger
March 10, 2012
A great man......god bless...
March 9, 2012
Barfoot Family, I do not know you or your father but I wanted to take the time to offer my profound respect and admiration. I remember seeing him on tv and one glance at him showed me that he was a man of great character. Eternal Rest Grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in peace.
~Kathleen Stells, Powhatan,Va.
Daughter of a WWII Vet & American Legion Aux. Post Member
March 9, 2012
I'm sorry for the loss of your father & for the loss of a Great Man who Loved & Respected his Country. I didn't know him or the family but was touched by him taking a stand to fly the National Symbol of this Great Country - The American Flag in front of his OWN HOME. May more people have the respect to do as he did. God Bless Him!
Barbara Banze
March 9, 2012
Margaret, I was so sorry to hear about your dad's death. I know you were very proud of him and he was very proud of all of you! Know that I'm thinking of you.
Fred Allen Barfoot
March 6, 2012
Van Barfoot had already begun his service in the Army when, as a small boy, I went with my father Fred Barfoot to visit with his cousin, Sim Barfoot, where we sat on C'un Sim's front porch, facing the road to Edinburg. I am not surprised that his obituary proclaimed that he placed God and family foremost in his life, as he had grown up among his humble, church-going, farming Barfoot families. May his children and loved ones cherish his long and distinguished life.
Thank You for your service!!!
Charles Pace
March 6, 2012
To the family and friends of col. Barfoot, We all lost a great American hero, in the same class as Audie Murphy, and Neville Brand. Life sometimes makes ordinary man do extraordinary things. And more often than not these same humble men don't think of themselves as a hero, and are embarrassed at the thought of being called a hero. God bless you Col. Barfoot. Can't wait for the Bio-movie!!
Annette Edwards
March 6, 2012
To the family of Col. Barfoot - May your faith & memories bring you comfort now & always.
May he now rest in peace with no more battles to fight.
(I would like to add that my father, a Korean War Veteran, resided at Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center prior to his passing from Parkinsons in July 2011 & that Sitter & Barfoot is by far the best skilled nursing facility I have ever seen. How fitting it is that it was named for Col. Barfoot & Col. Sitter, two Medal of Honor recipients).
God be with you, Amen.
Eric Petty
March 6, 2012
Thank you SIR for your service. Your legacy lives on in your son who I served under in Egypt, 1986. The finest man I ever met. You live on in him. God Bless.
Warren Wall
March 5, 2012
I did not know Van personally until November 2001 when we met at our 157th Infantry Regiment Reunion, but our lives have moved in parallel lines since WWII near an Italian town known as Pozzilli. We began the battle to break the German winter line within a few meters of each other, from hill 1025 to hill 1010. We all knew Van to be the definition of the word Hero, but he would be the first to tell you that the accomplishment he was most proud of was his family. He will be missed.
Sondra K
March 5, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Barfoot family, Van Thomas was a true hero, may he rest in peace
March 5, 2012
We will miss you, you have touched thousands of us...........and it felt really good. Randy G (Freeland, Md.)
National WWII Memorial, Washington, DC
Barbara Barclay
March 5, 2012
I am confident Col. Barfoot was received with open arms by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with these words: '...Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your Master's happiness!" Matthew 25:21 NIV
My deepest sympathy to the Barfoot family for your loss. May God bring you peace and comfort during this time of sorrow.
In His Love,
Barbara Barclay
Former Asst. Director for Dedication Events
National World War II Memorial Dedication
Lennis Sytsma
March 5, 2012
i hope God will make many more like him.
JOHN GROGG
March 5, 2012
i take my hat off to mr barfoot, and a prayer for his family, a true american hero. THANK YOU!!!
March 5, 2012
We as Americans are forever in your debt sir. Gods speed Col. Barfoot.
FRANK RYAN
March 5, 2012
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU, YOU WERE TRULY AN AMERICAN HERO, REST IN PEACE.
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
March 5, 2012
WE ARE SENDING OUR PRAYERS,LOVE,&CONDOLENCES TO THE BARFOOT FAMILY,FRIENDS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. BARFOOT.
Lisa Porter
March 5, 2012
The past two weeks I have been filled with such gratitude for the soldiers of WWII. Your father preserved freedom, a gift from God. The world became safer because of his service. My flag has also been down for wind, but in today's glorious sunshine it will go up for your dad. I love that he was a faith-filled man and a family man and not a war man. THAT speaks volumes about his love for God and for you. What a wonderful legacy he has left for his family and for the world.
ROSE VAN ALSTYNE
March 5, 2012
OUR SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY OF THIS WAR HERO, WHO LOVED HIS COUNTRY ENOUGH TO FIGHT FOR IT ON THE FRONT LINES, AS WELL AS "THE HOME FRONT"!!
Sandy mitchell
March 5, 2012
Thank you for your service to our country. You were a true Hero, my Sympthy to your family.
Sandy
Kathy Roberson
March 5, 2012
Thank You, SIR. A True American SuperHero. Rest in Peace.
Anna Sprague
March 5, 2012
Thank you for your service, and your love of our country. May God be with you and may he bless your family with comfort and peace.
Charles Roper
March 5, 2012
The United States of America needs more men like col. Barfoot!! what a great man!! May he R.I.P..
Ginny Pszolka
March 5, 2012
"Not the glittering weapon fights the fight, but rather, the hero's heart." You understood the responsibility that comes with this freedom. What a truly wonderful, selfless man who fought for what's right. Thank you for your service to our country and may God bless you and your family. May their memories of a truly remarkable man help to give them comfort and peace.
Vivian Thompson
March 5, 2012
Such a great man and Thank You for your service. You were a true hero, and is what USA needs to run our country. He should have run for president!!! May God Bless the family.
Johnny Allen
March 5, 2012
What a great hero, not just in combat but also a great family man (from what I've read.) We have a common birth place, Edinburg Ms. A dot on the map but produced one of America's Greatest heroes. Thanks you so much for your service to God and country.
Darlene Khan
March 5, 2012
Our sympathy to the family of Van Thomas
Barfoot. A true American hero. What a
great example of how life should be
lived he was.
Thank you sir, for your service!
William Germann
March 5, 2012
Due to high winds and rain my flag has not be up for a few weeks.I made sure it's out and displayed for a truly GREAT hero.Thank you for your time and service.WGG and family,11554
Leland Klementson
March 5, 2012
Thank you for your service to our country. A true American Hero!
Sue Elliott
March 5, 2012
You were a true hero. I admire your courage. May God bless your family with comfort, peace and understanding.
Angela Bozich
March 5, 2012
True American Hero!!
C Mansfield
March 5, 2012
May God Bless him for his selfless service& give comfort to his family
ABE KEIL
March 5, 2012
GOD BLESS U AND FOR ALWAYS AND FOR EVER THANK YOU
David Crowe
March 5, 2012
Another hero lost. Rest on peace Col. and all veterans like myself thank you so much for keeping our flag flying high. God bless you.
Helen Ross
March 5, 2012
The world needs THIS kind of man sitting in the White House and in every aspect of the American Government. God bless this man!!!
Linda and Gracie Rutledge<Countz
March 5, 2012
Dear Family, We would just like to say how sorry we are at the lose of your father. He was a true Hero and wonderful man!! God has him now in his arms and he is safe!!.
Merry Hendley
March 5, 2012
Im very impressed by this amazing human being. I wish I had known him. God blessed him. My prayers are for his family and friends. Good by Van Thomas, You are Missed.
Hal Dolan
March 5, 2012
He truly was an American Hero!!!
March 5, 2012
I cannot express in words how I feel at the loss of Retired Col. Barfoot. He is a true patriot in every sense of the word. He should inspire everyone to fight for their belief in the American Flag. My father too fought to save his flagpole and one against a homeowner association. It was not an easy fight but one worth every minute. I applaud Col. Barfoot and everything he stood for. Thank you Colonel for your dedication to this country. May the young of today see this country in the light that you did.
The Wilson Family, (Twinsburg, Oh)
Cindy wilson
March 5, 2012
Thank you Mr. Barfoot for your courage and thank you for my freedom. God be with you and your family.
Enjoy peace in Heaven with your beautiful wife.
Johnnie W. Brame, SGM (R)
March 5, 2012
I knew COL Barfoot when he was Senior Army Advisor to the Virginia Army National Guard in the 80's. I looked up to him bacause he was a Medal of Honor winner in WWII. He always stood for what was right - God, Country, Family and particularly the Flag.
David Roney
March 5, 2012
God Bless you Col. Thank you for your service to our country. You were a True American hero!!
Joe Rotondo
March 5, 2012
A true Hero and Role model. RIP and may God Bless!
k t
March 5, 2012
What an extraordinary American. This obituary is so touching. I encourage someone to write a movies about this mans life. God blessed all of America when he created you. May you rest in peace.
Tami B
March 5, 2012
There is not enough room here for all the praises this man deserves. I thank him and all like him for their sacrifices and service throughout all conflicts (wars). He truly set the bar high for all to meet in terms of Bravery both on and off any field. God bless his family at this time of sorrow. May you find peace and joy in the Lord and in the amazing memory of this hero.
March 5, 2012
Condolences to the family and friends of Van Thomas Barfoot. Please read Isaiah 61:1, 2 in your copy of the Bible. Jesus was sent to provide that comfort. Sincerely, J. Saintnelus, University Park, IL.
James Willner
March 5, 2012
May the eternal light shine upon him.....
Sheila Flowers
March 5, 2012
He was a true American through and through. God bless you and may you have eternal peace in Heaven.
Chuck
March 5, 2012
A true American hero!
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