John Edgar Barnwell

John Edgar Barnwell, 94, of Marion, died peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Deaconess Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana, in the presence of those who loved him. John was born September 29, 1931, in Marion, Illinois, the middle son of John Anderson and Opal Mae (Graves) Barnwell, who had migrated to Marion from St. Louis after losing their prosperous dry cleaning and tailoring business as a result of the stock market crash of 1929. John attended Marion schools and later enlisted in the United States Army where he saw extensive combat in the Korean War. He was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart as a result of his heroism, bravery, and dedicated service. John married Sylvia "Carlene" Sprague on June 9, 1952, in Vienna, Illinois, and she preceded him in death on November 25, 2014. John worked for Old Ben Coal Company until his retirement. He worked all the overtime he could get and for many years he worked seven days a week. He planted three gardens, and fruit and nut trees for harvesting and for the benefit of wildlife. He was not merely a presence in his family's life, but a driving force. He taught them that hard work and determination were a way of life. He was financially generous to his family, and he willingly paid for his children's college educations. John loved to fish and to be in the outdoors. He could identify every tree in Southern Illinois and most birds. He knew weather patterns and the habits of wildlife and domestic animals. John loved to read Westerns and books about military history and geography. He was a die-hard FDR Labor Democrat. He possessed uncommon sense and mental clarity. John enjoyed listening to country music, Kentucky Bluegrass, violin concertos, and opera. The house was often filled with sounds from recordings by Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Bill Monroe, Jascha Heifetz, and Luciano Pavarotti. In addition to his parents and Carlene, John was predeceased by his son, John David Barnwell, and his two brothers, James "Barney" Barnwell, and Paul Barnwell, and wife, Mamie. Survivors include his two daughters, Carla Susanne Barnwell (Eileen Gebbie) of Martinsville, Illinois, and Maria L. Barnwell Hafford (John) of Marion; grandson John Barnwell Glenn "Jack" Hafford, nephew Samuel Barnwell, and niece Laura Barnwell Sims, all of Marion; and, other members of his extended family. He also leaves behind the two best neighbors anyone could ever have, David Tanner and Julie Strauss. Until the time of his death, John discussed service needed on the tractor, what to do about cutting the hay, how best to use the property (no horses!), and who was to get the leftover beer in his refrigerator (Julie), among many other things. His wry sense of humor was intact. Per John's wishes, his body will be cremated and there will be no service. Those interested in donating to a charity in his name can consider Ducks Unlimited, the Audubon Society, and the Indiana (or local) Donor Network. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.