Dr. David A. Barnhart
Dr. David A. Barnhart was a good man, and good men are a treasure.
David was born on a cotton farm in Cone, Texas on June 4, 1944 to Dalton and Imogene Barnhart. He was the youngest of 4 children including Helen Reese, Johnnie Hilliard, and Melba Wideman who preceded him in death.
David began his education in a one-room school house before attending Ralls High School where he served as class vice-president and was an all-around student-athlete. He later transferred to Floydada High School in 1961, where, as Mr. Everything, David graduated as Valedictorian and was voted Most Likely To Succeed.
David went on to graduate from Hardin Simmons University in 1966 where he was active in Tau Alpha Phi. He then attended Baylor College of Medicine, graduating in 1970 and completing his residency in pediatrics from the same school in 1975. During this time he also served his country by treating wounded soldiers as they returned from Vietnam.
In 1985, David put his private pediatric practice on hold in order to work as a clinical consultant to Bengali medical personnel in rural Bangladesh, including serving as a physician for people affected by the devastating floods of 1988. Eventually, he became the regional representative to the National Council of Churches on behalf of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
David returned to Houston and resumed his medical practice at Kelsey-Seybold and Texas Children’s. While doing so, he was selected as the Best Pediatrician in Kingwood, Texas, as well as to the list of Best Pediatricians in America.
Always seeking a better way of serving children and their families, David created Behavioral Wellness, the only clinic of its kind in Houston, serving the mental health needs of children in Harris County, Texas.
David approached his entire life with contagious joy, curiosity, grace, and compassion. This light continued to shine and impact countless lives even throughout his long illness, until his last breath.
On January 24, 2022 with his wife, Gina, and daughter, Allyson, by his side, David passed away peacefully.
A celebration of life will be held later in the Spring.
