John "Kramer" Barnard

John "Kramer" Barnard passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025.
Kramer was born on September 29, 2012, to John and Beth Barnard in Wichita Falls. From his earliest days, he lived each day with a love of life and was always here for an adventure. From the second he was born, his sister Madeline thought that beautiful boy was just the most perfect thing.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 26th at 11:00 a.m. at Wichita Falls Legacy High School's gymnasium.
While there are no words to fully capture this vivacious and beautiful boy, Kramer lived life loudly. He was always up for an adventure and loved nothing more than heading out into the wilderness with his dad. Whether it was fishing or hunting, Kramer was happy to throw on his gear and head out. One of his favorite places was outdoors in Montana, preferably either on a boat rowing on the Madison River right beside Ben or on horseback on a trail. He revelled in the quiet beauty with an appreciation far beyond his age.
Kramer was a passionate athlete and competitor. He was a beloved member of many YMCA basketball and baseball teams and Boys Club football and basketball teams. Kramer loved to compete and loved to trash talk- it was part of the game, but he was also one to lend a hand to a competitor in good sportsmanship. One of his best days was putting on his pads and Wolverine or Packers jersey. Kramer was looking forward to playing for Barwise next year and becoming a Legacy Leopard. He was very proud of the fact that he made all five men's teams- including tennis, despite never holding a racquet or the crocs on his feet for tryouts. He played each with gusto and a fair bit of trash talking.
Kramer loved the Lord, and there is no question where he is now. He carried his little green Bible with him every day to school. He grew up in First Presbyterian Church and was involved in serving and the youth group. He spent many hours with his mom at church and looked to her for the bedrock of his beliefs. As befitting Kramer, he asked big questions and thought deeply about his faith. The Lord definitely broke the mold when knitting Kramer together.
Kramer was so many things. He did everything with such gusto. He was tough but gentle, he was so goofy and funny, and so very smart. That big personality was so endearing and Kramer just had a presence about him. He was quick to take people under his considerable wings- not for the accolade, but just out of sheer kindness. He absolutely loved making people laugh and he loved people. Kramer just had a way of connecting with people. Everyone has a Kramer story. The family would love to hear your stories. If you would like to share any special memories or pictures of Kramer, you can email thebarnardswf@gmail.com.
Kramer is survived by his loving family- parents, John and Beth Barnard, his siblings, Madeline and Ben Barnard, and grandparents, Charlie and Laura Barnard and Kathy Carter, all of Wichita Falls, and aunts, uncles, and cousins- Betsy and Thomas Favrot and their children- Ford, Charlie, Will, and Ann Marie of Midland, Texas, Trae and Kalie Carter and their children- Cooper and Charlie of Wichita Falls. Kramer forged countless meaningful relationships and will be missed by many.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the firemen from Station 3 and ER staff at United Regional for their care and compassion.
Kramer lived life well and with great love. To honor his legacy, the Kramer Barnard Memorial Fund has been set up with the Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation to support youth outdoor recreation and athletics in our community. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made there.
https://wichitacf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3376
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lunnscolonial.com.