Barney Girdner Jr

Barney Girdner Jr

Biography

On October 17, 2020, Barney Girdner Jr at the age of 83 died peacefully at his home in Sallisaw. Barney was born on April 26, 1937 in Lyon Switch, Oklahoma and was the son of Barney Girdner Sr. and Dora Maloy Girdner. Barney grew up in Adair County, graduated from Cave Springs High School and joined the Army National Guard at age 17. He then met and married Betty Jean Cook, of Sallisaw, October 30, 1955. Barney served in the United States Army, was a retired Green Beret, State Trooper, Rancher, Self made businessman, and a Freemason. He was a Vietnam Veteran and during his military career he received several honors and medals to include two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star with Valor, Air Medal, Combat Infantry Medal, and a Thai Parachute Medal. He suffered a broken back from a parachute jump, two broken hips, and two major heart attacks, and never once did he give up. After the military Barney was the Commander of the Oklahoma Disabled American Veterans for the state of Oklahoma and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern State University.Barney was a loving, playful, ornery husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Barney passed from this life just short of celebrating 65 years of marriage with Betty, but they never missed an opportunity to celebrate and gather with their family. Barney is survived by his loving family; his wife, Betty Girdner and four children: John Girdner; Dana Stites and her husband, Greg; Barney Dale Girdner III and his wife, Sandy; and Donna Girdner. Five grandchildren including John Paul Girdner and wife Elizabeth; Desi Girdner; Danna Orendorff and husband Dr. Chris Orendorff; April McInerney and husband James; and Maj Barney Dale Girdner IV and wife Crystal. Two sisters, Jesse Curtis and Iva Hunes; 12 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.. He is preceded in death by his father Barney Girdner Sr, mother Dora Girdner, and two Sisters, Joy Brian Neal and Ruthann HembreeA graveside service will be held Wednesday October 21st, 11 am in the Sallisaw Cemetery. Military Honors will be presented by the Ft. Sill Honor Team, Lawton, Oklahoma. Casket bearers will be Greg Stites, James McInerney, Chris Orendorff, William Carter Orendorff, Sheldon Girdner, Hayden Girdner, John Paul Girdner, and Ethan Girdner. Visitation for Mr. Girdner will be held on Tuesday, Oct 20, 2020, from 1:00pm until 7:00pm in the Sequoyah Memorial Chapel of Forever Memories Funeral Services, 463505 Hwy 101, Sallisaw, OK. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Forever Memories Funeral Services, Sallisaw, Ok. fmfsinc.com

Guestbook

8 Responses

  1. I am so sorry for your loss Barney was a great man I enjoyed talking to him when I saw him and Mrs. Betty he and Betty was always so sweet and was always willing to give a sweet word to others. I am very blessed to havr known Mr Barney and to know Mrs. Betty you will be missed God Bless you all at this time of sorrow may God love you through the pain. God Bless you all .

  2. Betty n family, I sm so sorry to hear of Barneys passing! I will always remember the time we shared and how he always welcomed us with open arms! The world has lost a great n kind man! Pray God will wrap his loving arms around you during this heartbreaking time! He will be missed by many! Love you all! Gail Tom n Tim n families!

  3. So sorry to hear about your loved one may God bless and keep you near.and try to remember the good time

  4. I am so sorry to hear of Barneys passing. I will always remember him fondly,–except for the cigar smoke. LOL. I still remember roasting a pig in the back yard during a campaign. Betty has always been his biggest supporter. My mom a d dad treasured their friendship.

  5. I remember the older Barney. REST IN peace Barney . My dad and mom knew them all. MY dad Charley pack and mom stella.

  6. Donna and Dana:So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I really enjoyed my time knowing him. An incredible individual. My thoughts are with you both and your mom. Miss you both.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *