Pat Barnhard

Stephen (Pat) Patrick Barnhard, age 41, Independence, MO passed away Tuesday leaving behind his devoted wife, Sonia and two children Mia and Noah.

Pat was born and lived in Independence all of his life. Pat graduated from Chrisman High School in 1985 and then from Northwest Missouri State University with a M.A. in History and a B.A. in Broadcasting Minor Political Science. During his time at NWMSU he was an on-air personality for the public radio station of KXCV. He received and served as an intern under the Lyndon B. Johnson Congressional Internship program for Congressman Ike Skelton in 1991. After college Pat served as Campaign Coordinator for Senator Jim Mathewson, later working for DST in Kansas City and worked as a VP for Superior Aluminum Castings, Inc. Pat also became campaign treasurer for State Representative Paul LeVota. But, it was Pat’s love of finance and his gift of working with individuals that gave him much success when he opened a new branch of Edward Jones Investments in Independence in 2002 where he was able to serve the community which he loved; recently being awarded the Customer Service Excellence Award, from Edward Jones. Because of his love for education he began teaching an evening class at Graceland University in 2009.
Pat not only had much success in his career but served the city of Independence as a Member of the Chamber of Commerce and was honored as Ambassador of the Year in 2005. He was currently serving as the Governmental Affairs Chairman. Pat was a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Kansas City, Served the American Foundry Society Mo-Kan Chapter in many capacities including Chairman in 1998. Pat had a special heart for children and youth. He served the Independence School District as a Youth Friend and was a Youth Leader and served in the priesthood in his congregation at Cornerstone Community of Christ.

Pat was active and loved the outdoors, especially fishing with his son. He was a devoted husband, father and son. Pat had a caring heart and touched the lives of those he came in contact with. Pat was preceded in death by his grandmother, Kathern Nadine Barnhard, uncles, Mike Willey and Tom Willey. Survivors include his life companion, Sonia, of 15 years and two children Mia and Noah Barnhard of the home, his parents, Dwight and Carolyn Barnhard, grandparents Milo Barnhard, Jr., Ken and Ava Willey and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Pleasant Heights Community of Christ Congregation, 4341 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, Mo 64133. Burial will follow at Mound Grove Cemetery. Visitation, will be from 6:00-8:00 Friday at Pleasant Heights Community of Christ Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hillcrest Ministries