Dwight Jasper Barnhard, age 80, of Independence, MO, passed on to his eternal heavenly home on Sunday, October 4, 2026. He leaves his wife of 61 years, Carolyn Barnhard; daughter-in-law, Sonia Barnhard; Grandchildren, Mia and Noah Barnhard; Brothers, Bill and David Barnhard; and many nieces and nephews.

Dwight was born in Independence and graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1963. He served in the US Air Force Reserve at Richards Gebaur in Grandview, MO, from 1966-1972 and, at discharge, held the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Dwight held a B.S. degree in Industrial Technology from the University of Central Missouri. Also, an Associate degree in Business Management from Longview Community College and a General Foundry Certification from the Cast Metals Institute.

Dwight’s metal casting career began during his first year of college, when he worked summers unloading boxcars and running a muller in an iron foundry. From 1964-1975, he worked for Independence Foundry & Manufacturing Co., where he held various responsibilities, including foundry manager.

In 1975, at the age of 29, he purchased and became President/ Managing partner of Superior Brass & Aluminum Foundry, Inc., Independence, MO. He remained president until May 1, 2000, when the Board of Directors of the American Foundry Society appointed him interim Executive Vice President. Dwight returned to Superior Aluminum Castings, Inc. on July 1, 2004, where he served until 2021 as a Director and Secretary on the Board of Directors.

Throughout Dwight’s career, he held various positions in the local MoKan AFS Chapter, including Chairman. As AFS National President 1995-96, he served as Chairman of the Cast Metals Institute 1989-1990 and continued to teach CMI courses on various topics and wrote articles for Modern Castings Magazine. In addition, he served as President of the Foundry Educational Foundation 1998-99. Because of his widespread contributions, he was honored with numerous awards and service citations.

Dwight’s business knowledge was an asset he willingly shared as a Board Director at Bank of Grain Valley for over 31 years, where he made many friends. Dwight had a passion for family, friends, and those around him. His love of life and service to his Heavenly Father were evident in his life. He was concerned about the welfare of others and spent time in various positions in the community through the Independence Chamber of Commerce, Independence Economic Development, Hillcrest Ministries, Truman Heartland Foundation, Masonic Lodge, and Ararat Shrine. He was a baptized faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Dwight always had a smile to share and a word of encouragement to those around him. His legacy will continue through his grandchildren and the many individuals he has loved and mentored over the years.

Dwight is preceded in death by his parents, Milo Jr. and Nadine Barnhard, and his son, Patrick Barnhard.

Visitation and service will be at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E 39th Street South, Independence, MO, on Friday, October 9, 2026. Burial will follow at Mound Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 am to 11 am with a funeral service beginning at 11 am.

The family requests memorial contributions in place of flowers to the Pat Barnhard Scholarship Fund at Truman Heartland Community Foundation (4200 Little Blue Parkway, Suite 340, Independence, MO 64057).