Hunter John Michael Barns (17) of Altamont
Published on June 15 2016 8:23 am
Hunter Barns, 17 years old of Altamont, IL passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Monday afternoon June 13, 2016 at 2:23 PM at the Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO following an automobile accident.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday morning, June 18 at 11:00 AM in the Altamont Community High School gymnasium in Altamont with the Rev. Marek Kasperczuk officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be conducted from 4:00-8:00 pm on Friday at the Altamont Community High School gymnasium. Catholic and Military Burial Rites will be at the St. Clare Cemetery in Altamont immediately following the funeral service. VFW # Post 7676 and American Legion Post #512 will be providing the color guard and firing squad. Memorials may be directed to the Altamont Sports Boosters, Ballard Nature Center or the donor's choice.
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Hunter John Michael Barns was born into the family of Michael and Michelle (Wernsing) Barns in Effingham on July 27, 1998, he was the eldest of two siblings. He was baptized in the Catholic faith at St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church in Effingham, IL. He was a member of St. Clare Parish in Altamont, where he confirmed his faith. Hunter was a 2016 graduate of Altamont Community High School, where he participated in soccer, cross country and track & field. He was an animal lover and avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He liked spending time at the Wernsing family farm with his bird dog, Maggie. Hunter was a friend to many, and held very special characteristics that others easily looked up to. He was a great role model, as his younger cousins looked to him as a superhero. His lifelong dream was to join the US Military because of his strong devotion to his family and country. Hunter enlisted in the United States Army—National Guard on August 11, 2015 and faithfully attended monthly duty while attending high school. E-2 Barns was to report for his Basic and AIT training on June 15, 2016. He was currently serving with Lima Company RSP in Mattoon attached to Bravo Company 2nd 130th Infantry in Effingham. Hunter’s final opportunity to serve others was his gift of organ donation.
He is survived by his: Parents: Michael John and Michelle Lynn (Wernsing) Barns of Altamont, Illinois...Sister: Miss Hannah Danyel Barns...Grandparents: Lawrence and Kay (Blom) Barns of Altamont, Illinois and Gerald and Jeane (Schlanser) Wernsing of Shumway, Illinois...Special Friend: Miss Bailie Raelyn Duckwitz of St. Elmo, Illinois...Uncles & Aunts: Sarah (Rick) Casavechia of Chicago, Illinois, Katie (Jon) Berg of Altamont, Illinois, Neil “Boomer” (Bailey Lustig) Barns of Effingham, Illinois and Mrs. Jonathan (Janice) Wernsing of Shumway, Illinois...Several other Relatives, Cousins, Great Aunts and Uncles.
He was preceded in death by His: Uncle Jonathan Wernsing and Aunt Danyel Wernsing