1929
Donald
2015
Donald R. "Barny" Barnhart
January 18, 1929 — August 13, 2015
Struthers - Donald R. "Barny" Barnhart, 86, of Struthers, passed away peacefully, Thursday afternoon, August 13, 2015 at the Hospice of the Valley, Hospice House, surrounded by family.
Don, affectionately known as "Barny," was born January 18, 1929 in the Nebo neighborhood of Struthers, a son of Job and Mary Watson Barnhart.
A life-long resident of Struthers, Don was a graduate of Struthers High School, January Class of 1947, where he graduated as class valedictorian. For over 50 years, Don worked for Donnell Ford. He started out at the dealership sweeping floors at the age of 15, working his way to auto mechanic, then service manager, and retiring as a salesman on May 1, 1995. He was a member of the Ford Parts & Service Managers 300 Club, serving as one of its past presidents.
Don was a lifetime member of Christ Lutheran Church in Struthers, where he was a deacon, elder, trustee, past president of the congregation, and served on the church council.
Don particularly enjoyed the outdoors. During his illness, he missed going outside so much. In his final weeks, his family was able to setup a window to the outside world, where he enjoyed watching the birds in the bath and the hummingbirds feeding. He was able to spend his last day at the Hospice House outside with the sun shining on him, surrounded by family.
Don enjoyed spending time with his family on Guilford Lake, where he often fished and camped. He looked forward to his annual September drive up the autumn coast with his wife to Bar Harbor, Maine, where they enjoyed eating a fresh lobster dinner at their favorite little restaurant. Don was also an avid Cleveland Indians fan and enjoyed cheering them on.
A true family man and patriarch, Don was a devoted and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His strength, constant encouragement, love, kindness, dedication, and many life lessons he taught to his family will be forever cherished.
His wife of 64 years, the former Marilyn C. Hassey, whom he married November 5, 1949, passed away July 26, 2013. He leaves three daughters, Terry (Earl) Stephenson of Poland, Cathy (Jerry Kee) Garlock of Lillian, AL, and Donna (Michael) Barnhart-Carney of Palmetto, FL; three sons, Don (Sue) Barnhart of San Angelo, TX, Larry (Luigina) Barnhart of Palmetto, FL, and Scott (Cam) Barnhart of Chantilly, VA; one sister, Audrey (Frank) Blackwell of Wooster; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Besides his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by one sister, Nancy Rotz; and three brothers, Lewis, Charles, and James Barnhart.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers with Pastor James Berkebile officiating.
Family and friends will be received Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. and Wednesday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.
Any memorial tributes may take the form of contributions in Mr. Barnhart's name to Christ Lutheran Church, 250 Sexton St., Struthers, Ohio 44471 or Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Rd., Poland, Ohio 44514.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.
Don, affectionately known as "Barny," was born January 18, 1929 in the Nebo neighborhood of Struthers, a son of Job and Mary Watson Barnhart.
A life-long resident of Struthers, Don was a graduate of Struthers High School, January Class of 1947, where he graduated as class valedictorian. For over 50 years, Don worked for Donnell Ford. He started out at the dealership sweeping floors at the age of 15, working his way to auto mechanic, then service manager, and retiring as a salesman on May 1, 1995. He was a member of the Ford Parts & Service Managers 300 Club, serving as one of its past presidents.
Don was a lifetime member of Christ Lutheran Church in Struthers, where he was a deacon, elder, trustee, past president of the congregation, and served on the church council.
Don particularly enjoyed the outdoors. During his illness, he missed going outside so much. In his final weeks, his family was able to setup a window to the outside world, where he enjoyed watching the birds in the bath and the hummingbirds feeding. He was able to spend his last day at the Hospice House outside with the sun shining on him, surrounded by family.
Don enjoyed spending time with his family on Guilford Lake, where he often fished and camped. He looked forward to his annual September drive up the autumn coast with his wife to Bar Harbor, Maine, where they enjoyed eating a fresh lobster dinner at their favorite little restaurant. Don was also an avid Cleveland Indians fan and enjoyed cheering them on.
A true family man and patriarch, Don was a devoted and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His strength, constant encouragement, love, kindness, dedication, and many life lessons he taught to his family will be forever cherished.
His wife of 64 years, the former Marilyn C. Hassey, whom he married November 5, 1949, passed away July 26, 2013. He leaves three daughters, Terry (Earl) Stephenson of Poland, Cathy (Jerry Kee) Garlock of Lillian, AL, and Donna (Michael) Barnhart-Carney of Palmetto, FL; three sons, Don (Sue) Barnhart of San Angelo, TX, Larry (Luigina) Barnhart of Palmetto, FL, and Scott (Cam) Barnhart of Chantilly, VA; one sister, Audrey (Frank) Blackwell of Wooster; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Besides his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by one sister, Nancy Rotz; and three brothers, Lewis, Charles, and James Barnhart.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers with Pastor James Berkebile officiating.
Family and friends will be received Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. and Wednesday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.
Any memorial tributes may take the form of contributions in Mr. Barnhart's name to Christ Lutheran Church, 250 Sexton St., Struthers, Ohio 44471 or Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Rd., Poland, Ohio 44514.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald R. "Barny" Barnhart, please visit our flower store.