Clayton Barnhart

Clayton Winfred Barnhart, 69, of Fayetteville died Friday, July 4, 2014, at the Willard Walker Hospice House in Fayetteville. He was born June 20, 1945, in Olney, Md., the son of Ralph and Mary (Gerber) Barnhart. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Bruce Barnhart. Clayton is survived by his loving wife, Jo (Raymond) Barnhart, whom he married on Oct. 12, 1968, in Fayetteville; one daughter, Sara Eichmann and her husband Justin; and two grandchildren, Elliot and Eleanor Eichmann, all of Fayetteville. He is also survived by two brothers, Lloyd Barnhart and his wife Carol, of Fresh Meadows, N.Y., and Danny Barnhart, of Little Rock. Clayton graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1963 and from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor's Degree in History. He retired with over 20 years of service in the Arkansas Air National Guard based in Fort Smith. He was a general aviation pilot and flight instructor for over 30 years, flying for various local corporations and teaching many area students to fly. Clayton enjoyed fishing and hunting and was an avid collector of books. He and Jo loved to travel throughout the United States and took many road trips following their retirements in 1999. A private gathering of friends and family will be held to celebrate Clayton's life. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home of Fayetteville. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.