Obituary for Ezekiel Cowgill Barnard III
Ezekiel “Zeke” Cowgill Barnard III left this earth peacefully on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at his home in Falling Waters, West Virginia surrounded by his loving family. He passed away of natural causes. Zeke was born on March 18, 1948 to Gloria Williams Barnard and Ezekiel C. Barnard Jr. in Wilmington, Delaware.
Zeke graduated from Newark High school in Delaware. While in high school he built one of the fastest motorcycles in the State of Delaware. After High School, he completed one year at the University of Delaware and he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He went on to serve and protect his country during the Vietnam War in which he was a door gunner and chief mechanic on “Huey” Helicopters. He was wounded twice. He was humble and never talked much about the War and his involvement; however, he was awarded many medals including an eight-time recipient of the “Air Medal” for singular acts of heroism while participating in aerial combat.
Zeke was a master at all crafts he attempted, whether it be cooking, carpentry, engineering, mechanics; it did not matter, he was exemplary at all he did. This included rescuing many canine companions. Most importantly though, he was a wonderful father to David and Arin and for this, he was most proud.
After serving in Vietnam, Zeke began working in the Tugboat Industry excelling as Captain and supervisor of Tugboat operations for the Interstate and Ocean Transport Company, among other companies. He Captained Tugs all up and down the eastern seaboard as well as the Gulf Coast. He received many corporate and Coast Guard commendations for his leadership and bravery on the high seas. It was during this time that he met, fell in love with and married the love of his life, Jo Ann Fink of Wilmington, Delaware. It’s from this union that David and Arin were born. After his maritime career Zeke and his family bought and ran Barnard's Delaware City Marina. After retiring Zeke spent his remaining years looking after his family.
He is survived by his son David, his daughter Arin Meinschein (Dennis), brother Corey, nieces and nephews, and his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, mother of his children Jo Ann, brothers Barry, Robert, and sister Pamela.
Interment will be at the Smithsburg, Maryland cemetery coupled with a private family gathering at a later date. Zeke’s family would like to thank all friends and family who have helped to support Zeke throughout his illness. Zeke and his family would especially like to thank the Veterans Administration and Hospice of the Panhandle. Donations in Zeke’s honor can be made to Berkeley County Humane Society https://berkeley.wvhumane.com/ or Toys for Tots. https://www.toysfortots.org. Arrangements made by Potomac Valley Cremation Center. Online condolences may be made at www.potomaccremation.com.
Zeke graduated from Newark High school in Delaware. While in high school he built one of the fastest motorcycles in the State of Delaware. After High School, he completed one year at the University of Delaware and he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He went on to serve and protect his country during the Vietnam War in which he was a door gunner and chief mechanic on “Huey” Helicopters. He was wounded twice. He was humble and never talked much about the War and his involvement; however, he was awarded many medals including an eight-time recipient of the “Air Medal” for singular acts of heroism while participating in aerial combat.
Zeke was a master at all crafts he attempted, whether it be cooking, carpentry, engineering, mechanics; it did not matter, he was exemplary at all he did. This included rescuing many canine companions. Most importantly though, he was a wonderful father to David and Arin and for this, he was most proud.
After serving in Vietnam, Zeke began working in the Tugboat Industry excelling as Captain and supervisor of Tugboat operations for the Interstate and Ocean Transport Company, among other companies. He Captained Tugs all up and down the eastern seaboard as well as the Gulf Coast. He received many corporate and Coast Guard commendations for his leadership and bravery on the high seas. It was during this time that he met, fell in love with and married the love of his life, Jo Ann Fink of Wilmington, Delaware. It’s from this union that David and Arin were born. After his maritime career Zeke and his family bought and ran Barnard's Delaware City Marina. After retiring Zeke spent his remaining years looking after his family.
He is survived by his son David, his daughter Arin Meinschein (Dennis), brother Corey, nieces and nephews, and his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, mother of his children Jo Ann, brothers Barry, Robert, and sister Pamela.
Interment will be at the Smithsburg, Maryland cemetery coupled with a private family gathering at a later date. Zeke’s family would like to thank all friends and family who have helped to support Zeke throughout his illness. Zeke and his family would especially like to thank the Veterans Administration and Hospice of the Panhandle. Donations in Zeke’s honor can be made to Berkeley County Humane Society https://berkeley.wvhumane.com/ or Toys for Tots. https://www.toysfortots.org. Arrangements made by Potomac Valley Cremation Center. Online condolences may be made at www.potomaccremation.com.