Obituary of Neil C. Barnhill

Neil C. Barnhill, 84, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2015. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hernando and Obeara Barnhill; brothers, Cecil, L.H., Dewitt, Billy, Lester, Louie, and Albert Barnhill; sisters, Lucille Lee, Myrtle Johnson, Juanita Barnhill. Neil is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Fran Barnhill; son, Ron Barnhill and wife, Kris; daughters, Sue Dalmeida and husband, Bill, Denise Coleman and husband, Doug; brothers James Barnhill and wife, Pat, Paul Barnhill and wife, Susette; sisters, Nell Evans, Joan Bishop and husband, Larry; grandchildren, Jennifer Oncken and husband, Mike, Nikki Scott and husband, Chris, Joey Barnhill, Nicholas Barnhill and Bryan Wagner; great grandchildren, Emma, Tommy and Charlie Oncken; and a host of other family and friends. Neil proudly served his country during his career in the United States Air Force. His service included numerous foreign assignments during the Korean War and after. Early in his Air Force service while stationed at Ellington Field in Houston, he met Fran; they were later married shortly before he shipped out for Korea. Neil would go on to serve for 20 years in the military; earning the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and eventually serving on the Inspector General Team. Neil earned a B. A. of Economics at the University of Missouri while in the Air Force. Neil taught his family the importance of giving back to the community, serving others and always helping others in need. Neil served as President of the Air Force Sergeant’s Association, which partnered with the Lion’s Club on many civic and community projects. He frequently made trips to private homes, nursing homes and hospitals to visit the elderly and deliver meals on wheels, often taking his children and grandchildren along. Neil was very active with his church and served as both elder and deacon. After his retirement from the Consumer Credit Counseling Service in 1992, Neil and Fran enjoyed traveling in the United States and in the United Kingdom, and had the opportunity to go on an Alaskan cruise with his family. He was an avid reader and enjoyed reading many books and his Bible. Neil was also very interested in genealogy, extensively researching the Barnhill family history. Neil will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Neil’s honor to the Medina Children’s Home at www.armsofhope.org. A visitation for Neil will be held Tuesday, January 27, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581. The funeral service will take place Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at 10:30 am at the funeral home with DC Brown and Paul Cartwright officiating. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas.