Bruce E. Barnard

NORWALK—Bruce E. Barnard, 69, of Norwalk, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2017, in Heritage Village Nursing Center, Clyde, after a four-year battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, and Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS).He was born Nov. 8, 1947, in Bellevue, to Robert R. and Betty (Snyder) Barnard. Bruce graduated from Bellevue High School in 1966, and served in the U.S. Army from March 1967 to March 1970.Bruce served in the U.S. State Department where he set up communications for the SALT talks with Russia in Helsinki, Finland. Bruce retired from the U.S. Postal Service the end of 2007 with 28 years of service.He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Catharine (Sparks) Barnard; sons, Brian Barnard and Brent Barnard of Norwalk, Brandon Barnard of the U.S. Navy stationed in Camp LeJeune, N.C., and Troy Rodecker of Berlin Heights; grandsons, Greyson Barnard, Luke Rodecker, and Bryce Rodecker; granddaughter, Ava Rodecker; sisters, Michele (Daniel) Briehl of Sheffield Village, Ohio, Lana (William) Labo of Lambertville, Mich., and Denise (Christopher) Pensiero of Bellevue; along with several nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his son, Brett Barnard (stillborn); and brother, Terry Barnard.There will be no calling hours. Cremation will take place. Private graveside services will be held in Milan Cemetery.The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the ALS Foundation, Northern Ohio Chapter, 6155 Rockside Road, Suite 403, Independence, OH 44131, www.alsaohio.org, or to Stein Hospice Service, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870.The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff of Stein Hospice Service, especially case manager, Cindy Ebert, for all the wonderful care and compassion given to Bruce during his time of illness.Walker Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St., Norwalk, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made by going to edwalkerfuneralhome.com.