Donna Sue Barnard

Donna Sue Barnard, age 59, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. 

Born on May 10, 1967, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to David and Connie Waddell, Donna lived a life defined by faith, love, service, hospitality, and unwavering devotion to her family. From a young age, she pursued God wholeheartedly. Even as a teenager, she was known to rise early and go to church to pray before school. Her faith was never merely a part of her life—it was the foundation upon which she built it. 

On her final day, Donna was surrounded by her husband, all five of her children and their spouses. Throughout the day, her family took turns holding her hand, singing songs to her, praying over her, and telling her how deeply she was loved and how grateful they were to have her as their mother. She was never alone. In her final conversations with her family, she emphasized two things that had guided her entire life: that her family should always love one another unconditionally and that they should never let go of their faith in Jesus Christ. 

For 38 years and 10 months, Donna shared a beautiful marriage with her beloved husband, Chris Barnard. Together they built a home centered on faith, family, and service to others. Their marriage provided a lasting example to their children of what it means to love, honor, and remain devoted to one another through every season of life. Their children often remarked that they never doubted the strength of their parents' marriage and were blessed to witness a love that endured life's joys and hardships with grace and faithfulness. 

Donna is survived by her husband, Chris Barnard; her children, Andrew Barnard and his wife Lindsay, Caleb Barnard and his wife Rebekah, Aaron Barnard and his wife Crystal, Joseph Barnard, and Joy Barnard and her husband Micah; her cherished grandsons, Mylo and Henry; her parents, David and Connie Waddell; and her brothers, David Waddell and Steve Waddell.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Sharon Brents, whom she dearly loved and deeply missed. Her family rejoices in the hope that they are now reunited. 

A faithful member of Father's House Church, Donna was known for her reverence for God, her servant's heart, and her steadfast commitment to her family. She devoted many years to homeschooling her children through a significant part of their education, investing deeply in their academic, spiritual, and personal growth. She treasured every opportunity to watch her children pursue their gifts and passions, whether through sports, music, the arts, or other activities. Few things brought her greater joy than cheering on her children and celebrating their accomplishments. 

Donna possessed a rare gift for hospitality. She had an extraordinary ability to make people feel welcomed, included, and loved. Friends and family often experienced her thoughtful attention to detail. She kept notes of things people mentioned they liked so she could later surprise them with a meaningful gift or act of kindness. She noticed those who felt left out and quietly drew them into conversations and gatherings. She remembered birthdays, preferences, and small details because she genuinely cared. 

Her love for family was evident in countless ways. Whether hosting gatherings, decorating for holidays, or creating traditions that brought everyone together, Donna worked tirelessly to make home a place of warmth, comfort, and belonging. One family memory that captures her spirit was her willingness to pack an entire trailer full of Christmas decorations and bring them to a vacation rental so her children could experience the joy and wonder of Christmas no matter where they were. These acts of love came naturally to her. 

Donna loved wildflowers, opening her home to others, and creating environments where people felt safe, comfortable, and cared for. Her greatest earthly joy was her family, and her greatest desire was that they would continue gathering together, loving one another, and walking faithfully with God. 

Though her absence leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who loved her, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is fully healed, free from pain, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, and in the presence of the Savior she faithfully served throughout her life. 

Her legacy lives on through the family she nurtured, the faith she demonstrated, the marriage she helped build, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, encouragement, and love. 

A Celebration of Life honoring Donna will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Father's House Church in Decatur, Texas, for family and friends throughout North Texas. 

A second Celebration of Life will be held on July 25, 2026, at South Padre Island for family and friends in South Texas. During that gathering, Donna's ashes will be spread at the end of the jetties, a place deeply meaningful to the Barnard family. It was there, nearly 40 years ago, that Chris asked Donna to marry him, beginning a love story that would span almost four decades and leave a legacy of faith, devotion, and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Father's House Church to help provide flowers for Donna's final Celebration of Life gathering on South Padre Island on July 25, 2026. Donna loved beauty, hospitality, and creating welcoming spaces for others, and the family believes she would be honored by the flowers that will accompany this special gathering of family and friends. 

In her final days, Donna repeatedly shared a simple but powerful message: "No regrets." 

Those words reflected a life well lived. Donna loved God wholeheartedly, loved her husband faithfully, and poured herself into her children, grandchildren, family, friends, and church community. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, hospitality, generosity, and unconditional love.

If Donna could leave one final message for those she loved, it would be the same message she shared with her family during her last days: love one another unconditionally, stay close to your family, never let go of your faith in Jesus Christ, and live in such a way that when your journey is complete, you too can say, "No regrets." 

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

© (Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home)

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