Augustus R. "Gus" Barnhart, 78, a lifelong Walton resident, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2007 in the Fox Hospital, Oneonta, NY after a short illness.

Born in Walton, NY on March 8, 1929, Gus was the son of the late Lowell and Gertrude (Spencer) Barnhart. He served in the Navy from 1946 to 1948. He was married to the former Mary Beismer who predeceased him on July 17, 2006.

Gus was a miner and tunnel construction worker, employed by Local 147 "Sandhogs", New York, NY. He was a member and past president of the Club Royale Oasis, and member of the Vets Club, American Legion and VFW Post, all of Walton, and the Apex Hunting Club. Gus will be remembered for taking meticulous care of his home. He enjoyed his travels from coast to coast, playing golf and hunting.

Gus Barnhart is survived by a daughter, Cathy (Gary) Bennett; a son, Thomas (Estelle) Barnhart; a brother, Albert "Sonny" (Cindy) McNeil, all of Walton; and sisters, Jennie Wood, Delhi and Mary Swartwout, Hancock. Also surviving are grandchildren, Robin (Daniel) Davis, Scott (Jennifer) Barnhart, Laura Barnhart (B.J. Hitt), Chad Shaw, and great-grandchildren, Helena, Mary, Sarah, Madison, Scott and Paige.

Family and friends may call Tuesday, March 20, 2007 from 6 to 8 PM at the Clark, Winter & Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 21 at 11:00 AM at New Hope Community Church, 45 Stockton Ave., Walton, with Rev. Larry Light officiating. Burial will follow in Walton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Club Royale Oasis, 231 Delaware St., Walton, NY 13856 or the Walton Veterans Club, 10 Park St., Walton, NY 13856.