Edward Ed Barnhart

Edward Eugene "Ed" Barnhart, 85, of Livingston, Montana passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at the Livingston HealthCare Hospital. A Funeral Service will be held 2 P.M., Monday February 2, at the Franzen-Davis Chapel with Pastor Lynn Balegaman and Reverend Daniel Abrams officiating. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery with Veterans honors given by Park Post American Legion #23 and Active Duty Navy Honors Team. Fellowship luncheon will follow the graveside service at the First Baptist Church, 202 East Lewis Street. A viewing will be held Sunday, February 1, from 2-5 P.M. and one hour prior to the service Monday. Memorials are preferred to: American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73123. Ed was born on February 20, 1929, in Livingston, Montana. He was the son of William and Marguerite (Davis) Barnhart. He received his education in here in Livingston and was a graduate of the Park County High School Class of 1947. While attending school Ed wanted to start work with the railroad. At age 14 Ed went down and asked for a job. He was told that he needed to be 16, of course he answered "well I am. So Ed started with Northern Pacific and continued until he graduated. His older brothers, Bill and Bob were both in the Navy and Ed wanted to follow in their footsteps. He went to Butte to the recruitment office and was turned away because he was considered a bit overweight. He came home and got to slimming down; a cup of coffee for breakfast one for lunch and a lean steak for supper then off to the fair grounds for a workout. After a few months he was back to Butte and registering for basic training. He was SO proud to follow his brothers footsteps. Ed entered active military service in the United States NAVY on December 9, 1948. He attended Basic Training in Chicago, IL, Edna remembers him saying how freezing cold it was there. He first served his country during the Korean War. Some of the boats he was stationed on were the U.S.S. Spokane, the U.S.S. Henrico, the U.S.S Bremerton and the U.S.S. Bayfield. Ed served for years and was discharged on December 12, 1952. He moved home to Livingston and began working with the railroad again. On June 20th, 1953, Ed was united in marriage to Edna Indendi, at the First Methodist Church in Livingston. Ed and Edna lived in Livingston for a short time before Ed was laid off from the railroad. He then took a job as a Boilermaker in Anaconda working there until 1960. He then decided to re-up with the Navy. He then went back on tour living four years in Scotland with Edna and then being stationed in Vietnam. While in Vietnam Ed was the Captain of his own boat, PT Boat #21; he was a great Captain as Edna was told by many of the sailors which served under him. He received a distinguished Honorable Discharge on March 1st, 1978 as a Lieutenant. Once Ed and Edna returned home Ed, being a man not to sit around too long went back to work with the railroad staying on until about 1985. Ed and Edna enjoyed traveling together and once he retired they bought motorhomes and toured the country. They touched every inch in North America except for Maine. During Eds enlistment he and Edna traveled the world from Ireland to Italy and even drove the entire span of Central America. Ed was a feisty guy who was not timid to let you know what needed to be done and how to do it. He was hardworking, and a man with a plan. He was immensely proud of his Scottish heritage. Ed was softhearted too, anytime Edna would say "Oh I really liked that" Ed would reply, "then why didnt you get it for yourself." For enjoyment Ed was a car guy who liked doing his work, oil changes spark plugs and such. In his younger days he did quite a lot of hunting and fishing. Of all the places that he and Edna visited they came home to Livingston, Montana because this was the best place. Blessed be the memory of a great American Seaman. Ed is survived by his: Loving wife of 61 years, Edna Barnhart of Livingston, MT. Brothers, Bob Barnhart and his wife, Libby of Laurel, MT and Marvin Barnhart and his wife, Donna of Kansas. Brothers-in-law, Linsey Strickland and his wife Deb of Hamilton, MT and Lee Strickland and his wife Sharon of Corbett, OR. Many very dear nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Ed is preceded in death by his Parents, William and Marguerite Barnhart, Sister, Jean Helevik, Brothers, Bill, Jim and Dick Barnhart and a Sister-in-law, Esther Grady. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.