HOME Bios & Families Cemeteries Census Resources History Libraries Military Obituaries Photos Societies & Museums Surnames Towns-Townships Vital Records

SHERIFFS OF MONTCALM COUNTY
1850 to 2006


THOMAS FRANCIS BARNWELL SR.
Sheriff from 1969-1980




Thomas F. Barnwell Sr. was born March 22, 1922 in Highland Park, New Jersey, the son of John and Anna Herbert Barnwell. On June 7, 1947, he married the former Kathleen A. Dey in New Jersey. They were the parents of six children: Kathy, Tom, William, Patricia, Nancy and Margie. He graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy and worked for the Highland Park, N.J. Police Department for 10 years before moving his family to Michigan to be near his brother Jack who lived in Greenville. Tom served as the first Montcalm County Civil Defense Director in the 1960's and also served as Montcalm County Undersheriff during the years 1961 to 1968. He was elected to the office of sheriff in 1969 and served in that position until 1980 when he retired. He was then employed as a bailiff for the Montcalm County 64B District Court. Tom was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in WWII. He was also a member of the Stanton American Legion, St. Bernadette of Lourdes Catholic Church in Stanton and a charter member of the Holy Spirit Council Knights of Columbus. He passed away Friday, August 2, 1996 in Grand Rapids and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Sheridan.

(Sources: Obituary, Greenville Daily News, August 1996)



SHERIFFS OF MONTCALM COUNTY
compiled by Stanton area resident Judy Hardy

If you have additions or corrections please contact Paula Johnson
Copyright © 1996-2024 - Montcalm County MIGenWeb

These electronic pages (or any portions thereof), including GRAPHICS & PHOTOS may NOT be copied, saved, or reproduced
in any format for presentation or publication by individuals, organizations, newspapers, etc. (all are copyrighted).
Current County Coordinator: Paula Johnson (c) 2017-2024
Previous content & design by: Gerry Christiansen (c) 2007-2016
Kevin Everingham (c) 2003-2007, Kathleen Rodegeb (c) 2000-2002,
Dave Wheeler (c)1998-2000, Beth Wills (c)1996-1997