Barney graduated from Nevada High School with the class of 1965. He went on to earn his degree from the University of Missouri in Physical Education in 1969. He earned a lifetime teaching certificate and began teaching History and Physical Education and coaching high school basketball at Wellsville, Missouri. In 1972 he entered basic training with the United States Marine Corps. Upon completion of basic training, he began pilot training to become a Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) in the backseat of the F-4 Phantom. After serving as a RIO in the Phantom for a few years, he went to additional pilot training in Beeville, Texas to upgrade to the front seat of the Phantom as the pilot. Around 1986, Barney moved from the F-4 Phantom to the F/A-18 Hornet, and flew that airframe until 1989 when he was assigned to the Pentagon. Barney retired from the Marine Corps in 1993 as a Lt. Colonel.
After retirement from the Marine Corps, Barney began service to his new boss, Mary, in their dog grooming/boarding business known as Kritter Kleaners/Kamp Kritter. He could be found driving around town in the short yellow bus with dogs painted on it, picking up that day’s dogs to be groomed. For about a decade they cared for and loved on the dogs of the families in this community.
After closing Kritter Kleaners, Barney was approached to run for State Representative for the 125th District. Barney was elected to the maximum of four two-year terms. It was one of his greatest pleasures serving the people of his district. Many people still have the laminated newspaper articles he would send congratulating them for noted accomplishments. This tradition was carried on by the Representatives that followed after him.
By the time Barney and Mary had been married 23 years they had moved 22 times. Mary was always the constant in Barney’s life, and, in the words of his sister, Ellen Balk, “Barney was smitten from the first time he met her.” Throughout the chaos, changes and long deployments within a military career, Barney and Mary created an amazing home for their three children: Melissa Franks (Alex), Brandon Fisher (Amanda) and Justin Fisher (Amy).
Barney could often be found at the White Grill and truly treasured the staff, particularly Sam. Barney loved to hunt quail over his English Setters, and dreamed of having a miniature dachshund named Gracie. Much to the chagrin of his children, he achieved this dream, and he and Gracie were buddies for about 14 years.
Whether it was in the Marine Corps, as a small business owner in Nevada, or as a State Representative, Barney was the epitome of service above self. He always made sure his family was cared for on his long deployments, many of which had him missing birthdays, Christmases and anniversaries. He loved being a fighter pilot, loved his Marine Corps brothers, treasured his wife, and adored being a father to his kids and DD to his eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary, and his three children; grandchildren, Emily Franks, Charlotte Smithson (John), Colson Fisher (Kennadi), Eden Fisher (fiancé Justin), Hayleigh Fay Fisher, Blaine Witte (Holten), Junie Fisher and Jozie Fisher; great-grandchildren, Derek Busch, Violet Smithson, Dom Smithson, Rowen Witte, Stevie Witte and Reeve Witte; sister Ellen Balk and Brother-in-law Gary Balk; nephews Chip Balk (Jenny), Jason Brown (Cheryl), J. Grant Kennedy and Dean Green. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Fay Fisher, his father-in-law William Burroughs, sister-in-law Billie Arnold, sister-in-law Ruth Rogers, brother-in-law Kenny Rogers, and niece Loni Green.
The family would like to thank Linsey Klinksick and her staff at the Bungalows and Whitney Shupe and her staff of Gentiva Hospice. Words cannot express the how much we appreciate the love and care our father received over these past few months. These staffs treat your loved one like family. We could never repay the debt owed to these amazing people.
The family would like for any active-duty, veterans, firefighters, police or other first responders, if they wish, to feel free to wear clothing representing their service. We ask all others to dress as formally or informally as you wish, as we desire this to be a celebration of a life well lived. While there will be tears, we also know Dad would have wanted us to celebrate his life as a family and community.
Service will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, with Pastor Steve Russ officiating. Internment with military honors will follow at Rinehart Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at Ferry Funeral Home from 5 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, April 16, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made through Ferry Funeral Home to the Bungalows of Nevada or Gentiva Hospice.
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