Merrill Junior Barnhart
Merrill Junior Barnhart, age 77, of Shelby, died Friday, December 26, 2008, at Med Central Shelby Hospital following a brief illness surrounded by his loving family.
Junior was born March 14, 1931 in Shelby, the son of the late Merrill C. and Myrtle (Molder) Barnhart. He was an U.S. Army Veteran serving in Korea. Junior was employed for 15 years at Bing’s Furniture and retired from Copperweld in Shelby after 30 years of service. He was a charter member of The Cloverleaf Square Dance Club, a member of Shelby American Legion O’Brien Post 326, and the Ganges Community Church. He enjoyed working on and collecting clocks and watches.
Junior had a wonderful sense of humor and a kind and loving heart. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and a loyal friend.
On August 17, 1955 he married Barbara (Curtis) Barnhart to whom he was happily married to for 53 years. Also surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Randy Waddles of Shelby; seven grandchildren, Sarah Waddles, of Shelby, Rochelle and Mike Nelson, of Lexington, Rachael Barnhart, of South Carolina, and Brian, Skyler, Ashley, and Ethan Barnhart, all of Lucas; five great grandchildren, Sarah, Chaise, Lillian, Chloe, and Kane Nelson; 3 sisters and a brother-in-law, Rhea Belle Hartman and Bonnie Ginter, both of Shelby, and Ardelle and Floyd Rietveld, of Dayton; a brother and 2 sisters-in-law, Thomas and Verda Barnhart, of Iron River, MI, and Mildred Barnhart, of Shelby; numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, William J. Bill Barnhart, 3 brothers, Henry, John, and Jerry Barnhart, and a sister, Loella Weddell.
Friends may call on Sunday, December 28, 2008, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Turner Funeral Home,
168 West Main Street, Shelby , where funeral services will be held on Monday at 11 AM by Rev. O. Douglas Tackett, pastor of Taylortown Community Church. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.
The family would appreciate on-line condolences at: penwellturner.com
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Family_of: Merrill Junior Barnhart
Your_Name: Mike and Karen Barnett
Date: 08-12-27
Condolence:
Barb, Pam and all family and friends,
We were very saddened to hear of Merrill’s passing. Know that you are in our prayers today and in the days ahead. May you find comfort in all your memories.
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Family_of: Merrill Junior Barnhart
Your_Name: Scott & Darla Sprague & Family
Date: 08-12-27
Condolence:
Im so sorry for your loss….He will be sadly missed. He was a very important part of our family. Will miss his humor and Laughter God is taking care of him now and We will see him again. God Bless you all and May God help you to get through this time of sorrow.
We love you and Miss you all.
Darla Scott Jennifer & Michael
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Family_of: Merrill Barnhart
Your_Name: Dana Gilbert
Date: 08-12-28
Time: 09:51:16 -0500
Condolence:
To Barb & family,
Please accept my condolences on Junior’s passing. And Congratulations on having been married for 53 years, that is a testament in itself. May the treasured memories a your life together keep in this time of sorrow.
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Family_of: Junior Barnhart
Your_Name: Lorna (Lake) Ackerman
Date: 08-12-28
Time: 08:00:57 -0500
Condolence:
My condolences on your loss, how my Grandfather Clark Lake used to talk about Junior and I remember him as a child when I would visit Grandpa at Bing’s……always so friendly and kind..
I hope you can find comfort in the many memories and of course his ” Barbara”, you were loved a lot..
Lorna Lee
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Family_of: Merrill Junior Barnhart
Your_Name: LINDA STENTZ
Date: 08-12-27
Time: 23:09:23 -0500
Condolence:
DEAR BARBRA AND PAM AND FAMILY,
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR HUSBAND AND DAD ALSO KNOW AS TROUBLE TO ME . HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED . IHE WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON . WE ALWAYS HAD FUN JOKEN AROUND EVERYTIME WE SAW EACH OTHER. I SURE WILL MISS HIM. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AT THIS DIFFICUILT TIME.
LINDA STENTZ
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Family_of: Junior Barnhart
Your_Name: Von Barnhart Waddle
Date: 08-12-27
Time: 22:55:00 -0500
Condolence:
Dear Barb, Pam and Families,
I have so many wonderful memories that I could write a book. You were there when my and Bill’s daughter Rachael, your first grandchild was born. You never forgot a birthday or holiday and you were always ready to help no matter what. I became a proud member of your family 33 years ago and I have never left. I will so miss Juniors sense of humor and happy sincere smile. I always admired his love of animals as well. I will treasure the last hug I received from him just two days ago when you all once again included me in your family Christmas gathering.
Barb, may God bless you and walk with you during this sad journey to a new chapter of your life. You know where I’m at if you need me. You too Aunt Pammie.
Love to you all and my deepest condolences for your loss.
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Family_of: Junior Barnhart
Your_Name: Rev. S. T. and Betty Adkins
Date: 08-12-28
Time: 16:31:45 -0500
Condolence:
Barb, Pam and Family.
So sorry to hear of your loss, but what a wonderful way to go to meet the Lord. Just leave instantly and be in paradise. Our prayers are with you at this time, and God will give you strength to get through this. Keep all the good memories with you and it will be alright. Lean on each other and trust in God
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Family_of: Junior Barnhart
Your_Name: Thomas & Verda Barnhart
Date: 08-12-28
Time: 16:30:54 -0500
Condolence:
Barb,Pam & Family
Dad wanted me to send his Condolences down to you and the family. I know he would of liked to be there but I really dont think he could drive that trip anymore. I know he will miss talking to Uncle very much. So from our family to yours…..We are sorry for your loss.
Take care & God Bless
Tom & Verda Barnhart
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Family_of: The Barnhart Family
Your_Name: Colleen O’Neil (Rarick)
Date: 08-12-29
Condolence:
Barb and Pam,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jr. was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Family_of: Junio Barnhart
Your_Name: connie roub
Date: 08-12-29
Condolence:
Dear Barb
I just want you to know I’m praying for you and that God gives you comfort thru this sad time in your life. I will be thinking about you and hope to see you soon at the Y. You and Rosemary are always a highlite of my day at work. I wanted to come see you on sunday but i had that nasty flu over the weekend and couldn’t be on my feet very long at one time. I’m sure you didn’t want me passing it along to you and everyone else either. Take care of yourself and see ya soon. CONNIE
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Family_of: Merrill Barnhart
Your_Name: Mike and Pam Nelson
Date: 08-12-29
Condolence:
I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for allowing my family to get to know Mr. Barnhart. I will always remember him with a smile on his face and a quick joke. I can see him sitting at the camp grounds with a blanket around him. Someone was asking him if he wanted to go inside to stay warm and he didnt want to. He was so enjoying his great grandchildren and I dont think he wanted to miss anything. I had said the other day to Sayja that he was so much fun at our get togethers and Sayja said he brought the fun with him. I think that about says it all.
If you find that you need anything at all, please know that you can call us at anytime and we will help in any way we can. God bless you and your family, MIke and Pam Nelson