Robert Gordon Barnhardt, Jr., 87, died January 1, 2024 at the Minneola District Hospital in Minneola, Kansas.
He was born on November 25, 1936 at Leavenworth, Kansas, son of Robert Gordon and Blanche (Brune) Barnhardt. He attended Union #1, a one-room elementary school in Jarbalo, Kansas and graduated from Jarbalo High School in 1954. He then attended Baker University from 1954-1958 and was a member of Zeta Chi fraternity where he made lifelong friends. After graduating with a BS in chemistry, Gordon married Martha Collingwood in Johnson, Kansas on July 20, 1958. That fall he began his pursuit of a doctorate at the University of Kansas and subsequently followed his PhD thesis research director to the University of Massachusetts where he earned his PhD in organic chemistry in 1964. After teaching chemistry at Kansas State Teachers College, now known as Emporia State University, and Southwestern College, he moved his family to Bucklin, Kansas in 1971 to take over management of the Farmers State Bank of Bucklin, a family-owned bank. He worked there for 50 years serving as president and chairman of the board. He cared deeply about his customers, employees and the Bucklin community.
Gordon was a brilliant yet humble and quiet man who served as the family’s Google before Google existed. He believed virtue is its own reward and in working hard. He served on the board of trustees of Baker University and the board of directors of Collingwood Grain, and his grandchildren convinced him to be a project leader for their 4-H club. He was an avid conservationist and birdwatcher, instilling in his children and grandchildren a love of nature and the outdoors. He was a key participant in helping reestablish the black-footed ferret, once thought extinct, on his Logan County, Kansas ranch as well as on the adjoining properties of like-minded ranchers. Gordon arranged many family picnics and nature hikes at his ranches, and he especially held dear the home place in Leavenworth County. His antique cars, especially his Studebakers, were proudly driven in the annual Bucklin Veterans Day parade. He loved and protected his family but above all, he loved his wife Martha and never recovered from her August 4, 2023 passing.
Gordon is survived by his five children: Brenda (Dan) Pace of Pretty Prairie, Kansas; Rebecca Barnhardt of Bucklin, Kansas; Roger (Stacey) Barnhardt of Lakin, Kansas; Bob (Beth) Barnhardt of Durango, Colorado; and John (Janese) Barnhardt of Nixa, Missouri; brother Bill Barnhardt of Leavenworth, Kansas; 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 65 years Martha (Collingwood) Barnhardt; infant sister Rita Gail Barnhardt, infant brother Charles Thomas Barnhardt, and twin great-grandsons, Carson and James Barnhardt.
A casual Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion Hall, 101 S. Nebraska Avenue, Bucklin, Kansas. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.
The family suggests memorials to Audubon of Kansas, Hill Top House, or the Minneola District Hospital, all in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Avenue, Dodge City, Kansas 67801.
Condolences may be sent to www.zieglerfuneralchapel.com.