Barnhart Bolt & Special Fasteners founder Roger Gerald Barnhart, 88, died June 2 in Odessa, TX.

Born in Charleston, WV, he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1974, Barnhart got his start in the fastener industry sweeping the floors at a stud bolt manufacturer in Beaumont, TX. Two years later, he moved to Odessa with his wife and 2 young sons to manage a fastener retail store in nearby Midland. In 1980, Barnhart opened Odessa Nut & Bolt with 2 partners, where he learned the Permian Basin boom/bust economy.

In 1993, he founded oilfield and industrial fasteners distributor Barnhart Bolt, initially employing himself, his wife, Teresa, and youngest son, Chad. His eldest son, Dax, soon joined the company, and remains company President/CEO.Currently the company consists of four retail locations in Odessa, Midland, Hobbs, and El Reno, a corporate office in Odessa, and employs more than 80 people, including his grandson, Aaron Barnhart.

Outside of business, Barnhart loved his family and had a passion for fast cars.

Survivors include sons Dax Barnhart and Chad Barnhart; daughter Ashton Roberts; four grandchildren; one great grandson; and sisters Penny Barnhart and Cindy Corkran. He was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa Barnhart.

A celebration of life will be held June 12th at Shack in the Back in Odessa. The family asks that you wear blue in honor of his favorite color.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Harmony Home, Odessa Food Bank, Permian Basin Rehab Center, Tunnel to Towers or any hospice service.