Lt. Col. John R. Barney ’59

Source: https://www.caledonianrecord.com/community/deaths/john-barney-obituary/article_5eb509e8-057c-5007-b653-0ec9b7b02705.html

John passed peacefully at home April 1, 2026 after a three-year battle with cancer. John was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont to the late Florence Rogers Barney and Franklin L. Barney.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Barton, Vermont. He graduated high school from St. Johnsbury Academy. John received his Bachelor’s Degree from St. Michael’s College in Burlington, Vermont and his Masters Degree from Ball State University, Indianapolis, Indiana.

John joined the Air Force in 1960. He was a navigator on a KC-135 Stratotanker, and flew 204 combat missions during the Vietnam War. John was awarded seven air medals and 17 other medals and ribbons during his years of service. He served 20 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with a regular commision. After retiring from the Air Force, John became a teacher. He taught 10 years at his alma mater, St. Johnsbury Academy and a combined total of 16 years at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

John was an Eagle Scout, a licensed auctioneer, a real estate salesman in Florida, a real estate salesman and broker in Vermont, and a licensed bartender. His interests included private flying, reading, fishing, and hunting. His favorite place in the world to spend time was his cottage at Crystal Lake, Barton, Vermont.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Brenda Jean Barney (Macon, GA); daughter, Brenda Ann Barney (Knoxville, GA); granddaughter, Nevaeh Rose Barney (Knoxville, GA); and many nieces and nephews whom he loved.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Franklin Barney Jr; and sister, Nano Barney McCauliff.