John Jehu Barnard

John Jehu Barnard, a dedicated rancher, devoted family man, and proud veteran, peacefully departed this world on October 29, 2025. A lifelong resident of Malta, Montana, John's legacy is etched into the land he worked and the lives he touched.
Born on November 14, 1951, to Howard and Agnes (Koss) Barnard, John was the fourth of six children. His signature features were his fiery red hair and a mischievous grin that promised a good-natured spirit.
After graduating from Malta High School in 1970, John pursued higher education at Montana State University in Bozeman. It was there he met the love of his life, Jeanne Lorraine McCarthy, originally from East Islip, New York. Their meeting marked the beginning of a beautiful journey that would span 50 years of marriage.
John and Jeanne built their fulfilling life on the Barnard Family Ranch North of Malta. For five decades, John dedicated himself to working the land, raising cattle, and instilling a no-quit work ethic-a rich life made all the more meaningful by working alongside his father and later, his son.
Their family grew with the adoption of their daughter, Leila Adel, in 1982, followed by the arrival of their son, James Eugene, in 1985. His children, and eventually his grandchildren, were truly his greatest pride. Though ranching was his anchor, Jeanne's career allowed him to travel, providing opportunities to explore different parts of the country. He was also a passionate collector of coins and actively shared his love for America through his dedicated service with the American Legion Post 57. He was also active in planning and coordinating family reunions.
John was profoundly proud of his three decades of service in the Montana Army National Guard. He faithfully served, including deployments to fight numerous summer wildfires-a commitment so consistent it was often joked that the cows knew exactly when drill weekend was.
His most precious role came in November 2002, shortly after his birthday, when he was first bestowed the title of Papa. Cerenity Adele quickly became his best friend and his cherished companion for rock collecting and cow checking. Marcus Walker joined their duo in 2010. The later arrivals of Cody James in 2021 and Cade Jacob as the fourth grandchild completed his joy. The "grands" were truly the sparkle in his eye and the light of his life.
John was preceded in death by his infant sons, Christopher and Patrick; his parents, Howard and Agnes; brother Joseph Wilson; and sisters Mary Kihlstrom and Cheryl Barnard Lingohr.
He is lovingly survived by his wife of 50 years, Jeanne; his daughter, Leila (Dan) Seyfert of Glasgow; and his son, James (Sarah) Barnard of Malta. He also leaves behind his brothers, Charles (Kathy) Barnard of Springfield, VA, and Norman (Greta) Barnard of Murieta, CA; his grandchildren, Cerenity (Tyler) Olsen and Marcus of Glasgow, and Cody and Cade of Malta, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, military friends, and all who knew and loved him.
A visitation will be held Friday, November 7, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Wilderness Funeral Home.
The funeral service will take place Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Wilderness Funeral Home.
The family extends its sincere gratitude to Anderson Funeral Home of Nephi, Utah, for their exceptional support, and to Wilderness Funeral Home for the care provided upon John's arrival in Montana.
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