Reid Barney

Published On Sunday June 15 2008 [Yakima Herald Republic]

Reid W. Barney

Merritt Funeral Home

YAKIMA - On June 12th 2008, the second chapter of the life and times of Reid W. Barney came to a conclusion and the third chapter began. Reid joined his family on earth on December 16th 1919. Born to Francis Marion and Elsie Barney in Lewiston, Idaho, he was the eighth of eleven children.

Reid did not waste a minute of his life. Growing up, he learned to work hard, be honest, and always speak up for what he believed to be true. He graduated high school and went straight to work as a logger, where he learned how to handle himself and survive in all conditions. This knowledge served him well as he served his country and fellow man in WWII. Reid participated in three major campaigns: D-Day, Liberation of Paris, and the Battle of the Bulge. It was in 1943, just after his enlistment, that he met his wife and eternal partner of 57 years. Before shipping out, he was joined in marriage with Bernice Dolly Hattie Warren, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Soon after his arrival in England, Reid was informed that he had begun his legacy. After the war in Europe ended, Reid came home to his wife and 19 month old son.

By 1953, Reid had graduated from the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, putting himself through working as a barber. After graduation, the growing family moved several times before landing in the Yakima Valley. In 1960, the family, which now consisted of four boys and five girls, settled in the Wapato area. Here, Reid worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Toppenish as a soil conservationist for 28 years.

Reid touched many people's lives in many different ways. Through his job at the BIA, he served the farmers of the valley and became friends with many. He was active in the LDS church in Toppenish, where he held many callings: ward clerk, stake missionary, genealogist, high priest group leader, temple worker, and scout leader. He was active in the Boy Scouts of American for over 50 years, and achieved the Silver Beaver Award. Reid loved the outdoors, camping, hunting, riding and was an active member of the NRA. He and Bernice took part in many activities sponsored by the Appaloosa Horse Club, including the reenactment of the "Trail of Tears", the 1000 mile escape route of the Nez Perce Indians. However, he considered his greatest achievement to be his family. At the time of his passing, Reid was not only the proud father of nine children, but also the grandfather of 54 and a great grandfather to over 80, and the numbers continue to grow.

As Reid starts this third chapter, he joins his parents, eight of his siblings, a son Pete, and his loving wife Bernice. He is survived by two sisters, Ina Barney of Seattle, WA and Elda Jenkins of Gooding, ID; many nieces and nephews; his eight remaining children, Francis Barney of El Monte, CA, Gene Barney and Chris Barney both of Wapato, WA, Judy Morgan of Morton, WA, Paula Ward of Bloomington, ID, Cheryl Compton, Dawn Hill and Elsie Clements all of Wapato, WA, along with their spouses and many children to carry on his legacy on earth.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19th 2008 at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato, WA. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20th 2008 at the Toppenish LDS Church. Merritt Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.