Noah S. Barnhill, 87, known to his many friends and relatives as “Barney,” “Nick,” or “Poppy,” passed from this life on November 29, 2020, due to complications of Covid-19. He was born in Williamston, NC on September 10, 1933 and grew up in Portsmouth VA. He married Norma Yeagley on September 10, 1952. After a short military tour in Korea and a longer assignment in Metz France, Barney lived in Salina since 1956. Barney and Norma were married for 67 years, until Norma’s passing in December 2019. His family meant everything to him and Norma. He is survived by his 4 children: Curtis (Martha) Barnhill of Lawrence, Kansas, Metzie (Robert) McIntosh, Parma Barnhill, and Allen Barnhill, all of Salina; their 7 grandchildren: Jennifer (Bret) Lucas, David Barnhill, Christiana (Ryan) Vignery, Shawna (Ryan) Beckman, Zach (Kelly) McIntosh, Amy (Aaron) Raftis, and Tim (Kati) Barnhill; and their 7 great-grandchildren: Chloe Vignery, Ryanna Beckman, Emily Vignery, Liberty Lucas, Colton Beckman, Natalie Vignery, and Alayna Raftis. He is also survived by his sister Anna Lane Smith of Virginia. He was preceded in death by his mother; Blanche Barnhill, sister; Jean Parker, and brother, James Gorman, and also his foster parents; Henry and Virginia Nicholson.
Barney was a hard worker. He earned a master roofer’s license in Portsmouth VA by the time he was 17. He volunteered to join the U.S. Army during the Korean War and served a short time in Korea. He met Norma Yeagley and they married before he shipped out to Korea. From Korea, he was sent to Metz, France and Norma joined him there. They spent the last 18 months of his enlistment living in France, visiting much of post-war Europe. They returned to Salina where he worked at Strahan Creamery and a few other jobs. He studied refrigeration at KSTC of Pittsburg. He returned to Salina and worked at Montgomery Wards first as an appliance repairman, then as manager of the service department until the store closed. He has also been a substitute teacher in refrigeration at Salina Area Vo-Tech for over 20 years. With Norma, he owned and operated Barnhill Appliance Repair since the 1980s, and owned and operated Barnhill Motor Company with Norma and his son Allen. He was active in the Salina Lions Club, the Kansas Cushman’s Club and the North Salina Business Association during his life. Visitation is planned for Friday, December 4, 2020 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm with the family receiving guests from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Roselawn Heights Memorial Chapel, 1920 E Crawford.
A private graveside service is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 10:00 am at Roselawn Memorial Park, 1920 E. Crawford Salina.
Memorials should be made to Friends of Salina Animal Shelter and the American Legion. Dad made many friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His family and friends will always hold him dear in their hearts. Nick and Norma are together forever.