Boyd Churchill Barner, Jr.
Sunrise: November 21, 1961 - Sunset: February 13, 2023
Life Story
Boyd Churchill Barner, Jr. of Houston, Delaware departed this life on Monday, February 13, 2023 in his home at the age of 61. He was the eldest son born to the late Boyd C. Barner, Sr. and Barbara G. Barner on November 21, 1961 in Welch, West Virginia.
West Virginia was where Boyd discovered his love for the mountains and the laid back lifestyle of living down in the Hollow (“Holler”) of Crumpler. His days were filled with love from his grandparents, Grat and Nettie Hawthorne, his grandmother, Ester Barner, and his Uncle Bill Barner. Boyd would often reminisce about his grandmother’s good cooking.
In 1965, the Barner family moved to Houston, Delaware. “Living in the Woods” is what Boyd called the area in which they lived until 1977. The Barner Boys had many adventures with their cousins and various friends from the neighborhood, including their dog, Lassy. Boyd, being the eldest of four sons, took his role seriously and looked out for his younger brothers.
Boyd attended Houston Elementary School, Milford Middle School, and graduated from Milford Senior High with the class of 1979. It was during his elementary years that he developed a love of comic books. He aspired to be a comic book artist and honed his skills to perfect his craft. His hobbies were collecting Marvel and DC comics. However, his preference was Marvel, favoring Conan the Barbarian. Boyd pursued many hobbies such as collecting albums of many musical genres, buying sports jerseys with matching hats, and having a love of sports cars. In 1989, Boyd achieved his ultimate goal of purchasing his black Trans Am.
While attending Delaware State College, Boyd was employed as a mechanic at King Cole of Milton, Delaware. In 1990, Boyd graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration.
After Boyd graduated, his close cousin Kevin Wade encouraged him to come down to the South and room with him. With his degree in hand, Boyd relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina and worked at Continental Airlines and later at FedEx. After retiring from FedEx, Boyd decided to return to Delaware. Coming back home to be with family gave Boyd great comfort. He was a great support to his mother and his brothers. Boyd was instrumental in guiding his nieces and great nieces, advising his nephews, and supporting family and friends during their time of need. He was always only a phone call away.
During his time of going to doctor appointments, Boyd always had a positive outlook. He was courteous towards the nurses and assistants and often challenged them to trivia on any subject, especially old television shows. His godson, Craig (CJ), and niece, Journey, would often drive him to his appointments. Boyd would challenge them on social issues all the way to appointments and back. Boyd enjoyed their time together. Boyd was a family man who had a unique relationship with each of his brothers; he was full of advice, love, and laughter which will last for many generations. The family will tell his story and will never forget his presence and impact.
Boyd was preceded in death by his father, Boyd Churchill Barner Sr.
Boyd leaves to cherish his memory his devoted mother, Barbara G. Barner of Houston, DE; his brothers, Charlton (Gloria) of Ellendale, DE, Brian Barner of Provo, Utah, and Craig (Karen) of Harrington, DE; a godson, Craig Barner (CJ); a special friend, Linda Dennis of North Carolina, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Memorable Moments
