Bernard K. Newhart

Bernard K. “Bernie” Newhart, 76, a lifelong Clinton County resident, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2015, at his home in rural Mulberry.

He was born September 25, 1939, in Clinton County, to Dale Amos and Bessie Margaret Keck Newhart.  On October 4, 1987, he married L. Louise Butler; she survives.  He was formerly married to Norma Haney; she passed away on November 16, 2012.

Bernie graduated Frankfort Senior High School in 1958.  He was a lifelong farmer and carpenter.  Along with his father, Bernie raised Belgium horses.  He was the third generation of the family to raise purebred Chester Whites.  Bernie served two terms as Clinton County Commissioner from 2000 – 2008.  He was a member of Trinity Church in Mulberry, member of Mulberry Masonic Lodge No. 618, and honorary member of Clinton Prairie FFA.  Bernie was a longtime supporter of 4-H and their youth’s animal projects.

In addition to his wife, Bernie is survived by one son, Keith (Susan) Newhart of Guthrie, OK; daughters, Janet (Chuck) Reynolds of West Point, IN, and Nancy Walker of Lafayette; stepson, Dennis (Mary) Boyd of Norris City, IL; stepdaughter, Denise (David) Edrington of Lapel; brother, Jay Newhart of rural Frankfort; sisters, Patty (Hube) Smith of rural Frankfort, and Peggy Hackard of Rossville; good friend, Joyce Hall; 11 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.

Bernie is also preceded in death by his son, Michael Newhart; stepson, John Boyd; brother, Kenneth Newhart; and sister, Jeanette Swan.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 28, 2015, at Genda Funeral Home Mulberry Chapel from 2:00 -8:00 p.m. with Masonic rites at 7:30 p.m.  Funeral service for Bernie will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, at Trinity Church in Mulberry, with Pastors Merton Bobo and Phil Whisler.  Burial will follow in Green Lawn Cemetery in Frankfort.  Memorials in Bernie’s name may be made to the American Heart Association.  Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.