A. L. Barner, Jr.

Lt. Col. A.L. "Buddy" Barner, Jr., age 78, of Gulfport died Tuesday, April 22, 2008. He was a native and resident of Ruleville, MS. He attended Ole Miss where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He began his military career in the U. S. Air Force and served in Korea and Viet Nam. He participated in over 101 combat missions. He received many awards and medals including the Blue Max , the Silver Star, and Four Distinguished Flying Crosses. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1975 and then worked for the state government in Jackson. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church, Gulfport. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nan Patricia "Pat" Barner. He is survived by his wife, Backy Barner of Gulfport; three daughters, Sharon Carr of Rocklin, CA, Ida Sue Askew of Miami, FL, and Cynthia Barner of Biloxi; a son, Kent Lewis Barner of Dallas, TX; three step-sons, Edward McBride of Richmond, VA, Edwin McBride of Houston, TX, and Edmund McBride of Lincoln, CA; a sister, Ida Sue Robinson of Memphis, TN; twelve grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport where friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until the service. There will be a graveside service Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. The family prefers memorials to the American Cancer Society, 417 Security Square, Gulfport, MS 39507. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com