Gary Barnhart

Gary Duane Barnhart Sr was born July 16, 1949 in Livingston, Montana.  He was the son of William and Helen (Breeden) Barnhart.  He attended school in Livingston and graduated from Park High in 1967.  After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, saying it was better to choose what your direction was as opposed to being told.  Gary went to basic training in Fort Lewis, Washington and was sent to Vietnam shortly after.  He served three tours and was awarded a Bronze Star, Aerial Combat medal, and an Army Commendation Medal.  When he returned to Livingston, he began his career as a Machinist at Burlington Northern Railroad where he worked until his early retirement in 1991.  After he ended his time with the railroad, he started his own business, Gary’s Trenching.  On March 30, 1972, he married Dona Glass in Elko, Nevada.  They lived in Livingston, raising their family of two children, Gary Jr and Angela.  They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary shortly before Dona passed.

Gary and Dona loved traveling in his cherished 1955 Crown and 1970 Mustang Boss 302 to rod runs.  He also enjoyed annual trips to Las Vegas where he attended Barrett Jackson car auctions.  One of his last trips, he brought home a Shelby Mustang convertible, something he had always wanted. He spent most of his free time restoring classic cars, especially old Fords and Jeeps.  He loved spending time with his family, especially his two grandsons, at the cabin he built in the Crazies.  He went snowmobiling, four-wheeling and hunting as much as possible. The last two years he traveled to Arizona in the winter where he was happy to avoid shoveling the snow.  He spent many Thirsty Thursdays and Burger Fridays at the American Legion, telling stories with many friends he knew for years.  

Survivors include his son Gary (Megan) Barnhart Jr and grandchildren Gary Michael and Joseph; daughter Angela (Chad) Tiffney; brother William (Donna) Barnhart; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his sister, parents and wife.

If desired, memorials may be directed to the American Legion Livingston Post 23, the Livingston Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2154, or any charity of the donor’s choice.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday November 10, 2023, at The Livingston Christian Center. Visitation will be held the same day from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place after the service at Mountain View Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow at the Livingston American Legion.

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