Gene Billy Barnard, 85, of Sarcoxie, Missouri departed this life on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at his home. Gene entered this life on July 17, 1929 in Bald Knob, Arkansas to the union of the late Alonzo and Bessie (Wood) Barnard. He attended school in Stockton, California. On November 13, 1947 he was united in marriage to Lavoy Allen and together they shared sixty-six years. In 1963 he and Lavoy moved to Sarcoxie, Missouri. He was a heavy equipment operator for many years, retiring in 1994. After retirement he still enjoyed operating equipment. He was a 32nd degree Mason and was a member of the Masonic Lodge 345, of Joplin, Mo. He was a fifty year member of Fellowship Lodge of Joplin, Mo and also a fifty year member of the Scottish Rite Valley also of Joplin, Mo. He was a member of the local 16B International Union of Heavy Equipment Operating Engineers. He was of the Baptist faith. Gene is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings. He is survived by his wife, three sons; James Earl Barnard, Billy Glenn Barnard and Michael Barnard, one daughter; Charline Arnold-Yeager (Robert) all of Sarcoxie, Missouri, twelve grandchildren, thirty six great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren, as well as a host of other family and friends. Funeral services with full Masonic Rites for Mr. Barnard are 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2014 with Pastor Eric Roach officiating. Visitation will be from 1-3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.houshgoodwinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home, Sarcoxie, Missouri.