Vernard Pernell Barwick

Vernard Pernell Barwick, 98, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., a prominent Poplar Bluff businessman and civic leader passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Mr. Barwick, the son of the late Frank and Ethel McGrue Barwick, was born Feb. 4, 1918 in Success, Ark. He proudly served his country during WWII in the US Navy as a navigator on LST 619, through six major invasions and then spending time in occupied Japan. He was awarded the American Theatre Campaign Medal, an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two stars, a Philippine Liberation Medal with one Star and a WWII Victory Medal. Mr. Barwick was longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Poplar Bluff, where he served as an Elder and had retired from the Bank of Poplar Bluff, where he served as Vice President. He was a member of the Poplar Bluff Library Board for 18 years, past chairman of United Way, where he was in charge of the charity drive for many years and past president of the Lions Club. In 1964, he became a member of the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, was elected as president in 1970, received a lifetime membership in 1989 and was awarded Citizen of the Year in 1993. Mr. Barwick was also active in the Boy Scouts. Over the years he enjoyed being active in the community but he cherished most the time spent with his wife and two sons.

On June 20, 1943, he married Eudora Marcella "Dodie" Marsh in St. Louis, Mo. She preceded him in death on Oct. 18, 2014.

Survivors include his two sons, Craig Barwick, (Susan) and Brad Barwick, (Syreda), all of Poplar Bluff; and three grandchildren, Brian Barwick, (Gretchen), of St. Louis, Evan Barwick of Kansas City, Mo. and Whitney Barwick and fiancé, Dr. Aaron Wyble, of Galveston Texas.

A sister, Helen Pearce also preceded Mr. Barwick in death.

A processional of family and friends will leave from Cotrell Funeral Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Monday for a pass by of John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, where he will receive a Veteran's flag salute. The processional will continue to the Woodlawn section of the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery, where a graveside service with full military honors will take place at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Debra Tracy officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 301 North Main St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901, Poplar Bluff Public Library, 318 North Main St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 or Haven House, c/o Cotrell Funeral Service, P.O. Box 548, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.