Eugene Franklin Barnard II, 84, passed away on February 3, 2026, at his rural Hutchinson, KS home. Gene, Frankie in his youth, was born on January 16, 1942, in Newton, KS. His parents were Eugene Franklin and Eunice Clara (Jarrett) Barnard.
Gene graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1960. His running ability led him to Kansas University where he enjoyed life as a proud FIJI; earning a B.S. in Business Administration in 1965. Gene continued his education in KU Grad School before entering the Army in 1967. Following Officer Candidate School, Gene served in the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions in Vietnam where he received multiple recognitions, including the Bronze Star with Valor. Gene was honorably discharged at the rank of First Lieutenant in September of 1969.
One of Gene’s first jobs was as a switchman for the railroad. When Gene returned home from the Army, he put his college degree to work mainly in the paper industry, working his way up from Sales Representative to Business Analyst/Materials Management for several companies located in California, Colorado and Oregon. He successfully owned and operated his own management company in Portland, OR, for a number of years.
In 2009, Gene returned to sink his roots in Kansas soil to enjoy retirement. On his homestead, he surrounded himself with his green-thumb grown plants and garden, a horse, two donkeys, hundreds of treasured books and likely every bird in the region. Gene was an avid runner for most of his life, and continued to enjoy playing golf, following sports and gatherings with lifelong friends well into retirement.
Gene is survived by his siblings: Genene Kay (Barnard) Faubion (HHS class of 1958) of Salina, KS; J. Lee Barnard of Chino, CA; Kristin Gay (Barnard) James and husband, Art, of Hemet, CA; and Donna Sue (Barnard) Basirico and husband, Frank, of Oceanside, CA. The children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Gene’s siblings fondly remember him as “Uncle Bear” or “Uncle Trouble”.
In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by: brother, Lynn Edward Barnard (HHS class of 1965 on 10/3/25) and brother-in-law, Stephen Ray Faubion (HHS class of 1956 on 6/21/21).
Gene’s family valued every minute they were lucky to share with him, and as were his wishes, will gather privately to return his ashes to the good dirt that he loved. Although Gene requested no formal service, we appreciate any toast raised in his name by those who knew him. For a quiet man, his life spoke volumes. Arrangements and care entrusted to Hutchinson Funeral Chapel & Crematory.