David Barnard

David Barnard, aged 90, of Kingsport, TN, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family after a long and courageous battle with congestive heart failure.

David was often quiet and reserved but he had great compassion for the needy and struggling, exemplified by his desire to be a Christian missionary doctor and service as a member of the Man-to-Man ministry to men re-entering society after imprisonment.

As dedicated parents, David and his wife Ruth cherished their two children, Joy Childers and John Barnard, and their spouses, Gary Childers and Kathryn Barnard. David was also the proud grandfather of Stephanie Brooks, Kara Wise, Jon Childers, Hannah Barnard, Christianna Barnard, and Mars Corvidae. Despite the physical challenges, he was delighted by a recent trip he took to meet his great grandson Griffin.

David was the son of Pat and Lucille Barnard. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from Whitworth College followed by a year in the University of Washington Medical School, he began a career in Industrial and Marine Chemistry at laboratories and facilities in Seattle, WA, Sitka, AK, New Orleans, LA, San Francisco, CA, Martinez, CA, San Diego, CA, and Portland, OR. In 2023, David and Ruth moved to a home in Kingsport, TN shared with their daughter Joy and her husband Gary.

David will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his determined embrace of responsibilities as a Christian husband and father, devotion to his work as a Marine and Industrial Chemist, relentless drive to perfect his skills as a chess and bridge player, love of reading, and interminable puns he hoped would elicit a laugh or smile.

He is survived by his wife Ruth Barnard; children, Joy Childers and John Barnard; 6 grandchildren, and great grandson.

A memorial celebrating his life will take place in late October. Please contact Joy Childers (Kingsport, TN) or John Barnard (Pittsburgh, PA) for details.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Bloomingdale Baptist Church, Kingsport TN.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.