Lawayne Montal Barner

Lawayne Montal Barner was born on December 3, 1976, in Pomona, California, to the late William Harry Barner, Jr. and Gwiin Collier Correa. From an early age, his mother, Gwiin, and his grandmother, Esther Roberts Collier, instilled in him the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. His faith remained an important part of his life, and he found a church home at New Creation Outreach Ministries, where he was warmly embraced, loved, and accepted as family.

Following his parents' separation and his mother's marriage to Richard Webb, the family relocated to Hawaii, where Lawayne spent several of his formative years. Even as a young boy, his strength and determination were evident. After falling from the roof while trying to avoid trouble, he amazed everyone with his toughness and ability to endure pain—qualities that would define him throughout his life.

When the family later moved to Sacramento, California, Lawayne attended Highlands High School and graduated in 1994. He excelled in football and developed a lifelong passion for weight training and physical fitness.

Answering the call to serve his country, Lawayne enlisted in the United States Air Force on March 2, 1995. During a distinguished military career spanning 20 years and 29 days, he completed two deployments to Iraq, three deployments to Afghanistan, and served in South Korea before retiring honorably in April 2015. He thrived within the structure, discipline, and camaraderie of military life and earned numerous commendations and medals, including the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, in recognition of his faithful and courageous service.

While stationed in Valdosta, Georgia, Lawayne met Sharon McNeill in 1997. They later married and were blessed with two children: their daughter, Amaria Chantil Barner, born on March 10, 1999, and, after relocating to Las Vegas in December 2000, their son, Lawayne Barner, Jr., born on January 20, 2002.

As life unfolded, Lawayne was blessed with another precious gift when he and Tyesha O'Neal welcomed their daughter, Ariannah Lashay Barner, on March 15, 2012.  In September 2013, Lawayne married Brittany Stanford. Their marriage was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Landyn Marie Barner, on April 22, 2019. Together, they built a loving home and shared many cherished memories as they raised their family.

Never one to stop growing, Lawayne continued his education after retiring from military service. He earned his master's degree on June 1, 2019, while continuing his career as a Department of Defense civilian employee, serving in the same field to which he had dedicated his military career.

Lawayne lived life with passion and purpose. Known for his physical strength, he loved working out, playing sports, riding his bicycle, and taking long walks. He had an incredible talent for building and collecting LEGO® sets, especially his extensive Transformers collection. He also enjoyed restoring, collecting, and driving classic cars. Mechanically gifted, he loved working on automobiles and once seriously considered opening his own automotive shop before his health began to decline. He was a devoted fan of the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Dodgersand could often be found cheering on his favorite teams.

In 2023, Lawayne began the greatest battle of his life after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma. For three and a half years, he fought with extraordinary courage, determination, and unwavering faith. Though the disease relentlessly challenged his body, it never conquered his spirit. Throughout his journey, he inspired those around him with his resilience, his deep love for his family, and his steadfast trust in God. On June 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, Lawayne peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, whom he faithfully loved and served.

Lawayne was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and loyal friend. He loved deeply, gave generously, and was fiercely protective of those he cared about. His strength, kind heart, infectious smile, quiet determination, and unforgettable sense of humor will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Harry Barner, Jr.; his grandparents, Wilbur Young, Esther Roberts Collier, and Lucille Barner; his aunts, Wilma Barner, Jean Barner, and Michelle Barner; and his sister, Myra Barner.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving mother, Gwiin Correa; his brothers, Lamont Webb, Latrelle Barner, Raymond Barner, Bryon Barner, Jermaine Barner, Derrick Barner, Eric Barner, and William Barner, Jr.; his sisters, Tiffany Barner, Brandy Barner, and Jamila Barner; his beloved children, Amaria Barner, Lawayne Barner, Jr., Ariannah Barner, and Landyn Barner; his cherished granddaughter, Samara Kimathi Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends. 

Lawayne lived as a warrior, served as a warrior, and fought as a warrior. His military service reflected his commitment to his country, while his courageous battle with cancer reflected his unwavering faith and determination. Though his earthly battle has ended, his legacy of courage, perseverance, faith, and unconditional love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7