Barnhardt, Richard Gordon, “Rich” entered into rest on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 with friends by his side. Rich was the beloved son of his late parents, Cornelius “Barney” V. Barnhardt and Leona M. Heisele Barnhardt; lifelong honorary “Uncle Rich” to Jena Strauss-Schoenberger, Pamela Bowman, Christine Heibeck and Misty Rose Strauss; trusted companion of 40+ years to Feisty the Turtle; faithful friend to the late Kenneth Strauss, Donald Long, the late Arthur Duraski, Edward Kinworthy, Jim Stuckenberg and members of the BNO Syndicate stock club; dear cousin, classmate, colleague and friend to all who knew him.
Rich enjoyed life to the fullest as a son, student, friend, accountant, athlete and wine aficionado! Rich grew up in south city St. Louis in a far more endearing time than now. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School (1953) and Saint Louis University. An Army veteran, Rich proudly served our country in the Artillery Company of the 24th Infantry Division in Augsburg, Germany. Rich earned an Associate of Science in Commerce (1958) and a Bachelor of Science in Commerce (1963). Rich went on to Monsanto Company serving as Accountant, Auditor and Analyst during his 31-year tenure. This took him to several locations over the years including Santa Clara and Eugene CA, Trenton MI and the Carondelet plant in south St. Louis. Rich’s life passions included music, golfing, tennis, investing, reading, wine and rescuing turtles. His love of nearly all sports kept him a busy spectator in person, by KMOX radio and many TV stations. In his 90th year, due to his failing eyesight, he purchased what we believe was the largest TV on Aberdeen Height’s campus!
Rich will be remembered for his love and expertise of turtles, dry sense of humor, keen wit, quiet nature and his generous financial support of many organizations. Loving gratitude is given to his “Ladies”, e.g., companions Janet, Gala, Misty, Sophia, Katie and Ann. Special thanks to certain devoted staff of Aberdeen Heights (you know who you are ~ we are thankful beyond measure) and his compassionate BJC Hospice Team who provided care, comfort and dignity in Rich’s last weeks. We are forever grateful for his “Angels”.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 2:00pm-7:00pm at the Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Road. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 11:00am at the Kutis Affton Chapel. Interment with full military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 6901 Mackenzie Road, Affton. A luncheon in Rich’s honor will complement our celebration of his wonderfully long and dear life.
In lieu of flowers, Rich requested that you kindly consider a donation to The Salvation Army https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/midland/ or an organization of your choosing. Please share your memories and condolences at https://kutisfuneralhomes.com/
Rest well our Dear One. “The fabulous places I’ve been, wonderful things that’ve happened, great people I’ve met ought to make a story.” – Ella Fitzgerald
Dear cousin. His sense of humor always kept us on our toes. He was a true Heisele. Played corkball with the Heisele men at picnics. My dad thought a lot of his younger cousin. Rest in peace, Richard. Cousin Joan
I appreciated his affinity with turtles. It was always fun to see him interact with his turtle, Fiesty, which was a very accurate name! He loved his Cardinals team and was a successful businessman. A dear friend to my grandfather, whom I never met, so I am grateful to have felt close to him though Uncle Rich. I’ll think of him fondly next time the Cards win or I see a turtle roaming about. May he rest in peace 🙏🏻☮🕊
Rest well our beloved Uncle and Friend 🤍