After a life of love and quiet grace, Martin Dean Barnhill of Colville, WA has passed.
Here is what mattered, in the years between the dates.
The years gathered, as years do, into a life.
In Loving Memory OfMartin Dean Barnhill “Tex” Martin Dean Barnhill (Tex), passed away on April 30, 2026 in Kettle Falls, Washington, surrounded by his family. Martin was born to his parents, Glenn and Mary Barnhill in Clearfield Iowa on August 11, 1938. Martin joined the United States Airforce at the age of 17 to proudly serve our country in 1956. After basic training Martin was stationed in Washington at the Colville Radar Dome, the 760th brigade, watching the skies for soviet intruders and keeping all safe by serving as a Scope Dope. Martin sent back to Iowa for his cowboy boots and when they arrived his fellow airmen gave him the nickname of “Tex.” Many families and friends know him as Tex. Martin loved to fish, hunt, carpentry, country music, and spending time with family and the great outdoors. He was a long-time member of the Colville Eagles, 2797 and the NRA. Martin worked in the lodging field and the saw mils most of his life. Martin was devoted, committed, and caring. He chose to be the dad he did not have to be. He chose to be part of his children and step children’s lives. Martin chose to cherish and love his wife, Charlotte (Charlee) for twenty-nine years that they were married. “Always and forever” he would say. Martin Dean Barnhill (Tex) will be missed but not forgotten by many friends and his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Mary Barnhill, brother, James Barnhill, sister, Mary Barnhill and his first wife, Catherine Barnhill. Martin is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte (Charlee) Barnhill of Kettle Falls, WA, son, Ron Barnhill (Ruth) of Colville, WA, his son, Jerry Barnhill (Eileen) of Chewelah, WA, son, Todd Barnhill, of Kettle Falls, WA, his step daughter, Sara Monette, of Colville, WA, step son, Paul McGill (Shandon) of Elk, WA, step son, Kelly Sims of Spokane, WA, grandson, Ben Barnhill (Cassie), grandson, Russel Barnhill, great-grandchildren, Anthony, Tristian, Conner, Blake and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at Colville Mountain Park Cemetery on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Family has requested that donations be made to the Fraternal Order of Eagles 2797 in Colville, WA in remembrance of Martin.
