Sun-drop employee mourned

CONCORD, N.C. -- Family, friends and co-workers honored a loved one in Concord on Wednesday.

Donna Barnhart was killed during an apparent robbery last week at the Sun-drop bottling plant where she worked.

Barnhart was laid to rest at the Cabarrus Memorial Gardens around 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Looking at the lawn filled with people, it was obvious that Barnhart touched many people in her life.

"As far as an employee, she was loyal. She was very dedicated, hardworking,” Sun-drop owner and president John King said after the services. "More than that she was a friend. She had been with us for 18 years."

In fact Barnhart made such an impact on her co-workers that many of them acted as pall bearers for the funeral, including King.

"We've lost a family member and a friend. It'll never be the same around there," King said.

Co-worker Charlie Rhodes said, “The mood is real sad. Everybody's sad. Everybody's hurt. And we really miss her already."

Barnhart served in the Navy during Vietnam. As a veteran, she was given full military honors.

An American flag was draped over her red casket and three volleys of seven rifle rounds were fired at her burial.

Family members called it a fitting ceremony.

"The whole family is just devastated and there's nothing you can do to comfort them," said sister in-law Kim Carter.

As the community searches for a killer, they also search for comfort.

"About all I can really say is my life is much better knowing her, for the time I knew her," said King.

A prayer vigil will be held for the community on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Sun-drop plant along Branchview Drive in Concord. Everyone is welcomed to attend.