Levi C. Barnts

Levi C. Barnts was born July 1, 1925, the son of Mabel and Guy Barnts, and departed this life on February 11, 2026 at the age of 100 years, 7 months and 11 days. Levi spent most of his youth in Springfield, the city of his birth, but spoke fondly of the two years spent in the small town of Montier, Missouri where his family lived during part of the Great Depression. 
 
In 1943, after graduating high school at what is now Central High, Levi enlisted in the Army at the height of WWII and was sent to Luzon Island in the Philippines. After being wounded and recovering in New Guinea, he rejoined his unit in the battle for Ipo Dam. As a member of the 43rd Infantry Unit, Levi was part of the first unit to occupy Japan as the war drew to a close. In his service during WWII and Korea he earned multiple combat and conduct ribbons, a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. In the final years of his military career he served as a Senior Launch Control repairman of Nike, Ajax and Hercules anti-aircraft missiles.
 
Although Levi and Selma Willhite had known one another since childhood, they had never dated until a friend asked Levi to be a part of a double date. Levi and Selma were married in 1947 and spent 60 years together until Selma’s passing in 2007. Their union was blessed with four children.
 
Levi’s 20 year military career gave the family the opportunity to live in numerous states across the country, as well as experiencing tours in Okinawa and Germany.
 
After retirement in 1965, Levi and family returned to Springfield where he worked as an electrician for Holmes Electronics and later as a security guard for the State of Missouri. Once his working career was complete, Levi joined the Veterans Memorial Team and participated in more than 1000 funerals, paying honor to those who had served this nation’s military. He also enjoyed volunteering his time working bingo at VFW Post 3404 where he built lasting friendships and remained active in the veterans’ community until his health forced him to stand down.
 
Levi was preceded in death by his wife, Selma; his parents Mabel and Guy Barnts; his sisters Nadine Phillips and Wanda Williams; and his brothers Gilbert and Guy, Jr.
 
He is survived by his four children: Connie and her husband Paul Beiler, Larry, Patricia and Randy, as well as 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
 
Levi will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, a decorated soldier and a faithful friend who will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. 
 
Public visitation will be February 18, from 10-11 at Greenlawn North in Springfield, with graveside services following at Robberson Prairie Cemetery.