John Barnhart Obituary

BARNHART-John Barnhart, loving husband, father, grandfather, musician, and teacher passed away on October 23, 2010 at Arcadia Methodist Hospital at the age of 73. John was born and raised in Marion, Ohio to George and Emily (Wingett) Barnhart. On August 26, 1956 he married the love of his life, Marilyn (Kramer) and was happily married for 53 years. After graduation in 1959 from Ohio State University they moved to Covina, CA where he taught music in Baldwin Park. In 1965 he accepted a position at West Covina High School where he continued to teach music for the next 15 years. After a short sabbatical and a second Master's Degree he returned to the classroom teaching accounting, keyboarding, and computer applications until he retired in 1999. John was Teacher of the Year in 1994 - 1997, and 1999 in the Applied Arts Department. John and his family loved to travel, pulling their trailer across the country nearly a dozen times. He was a history buff and avid reader, enjoying his visits to war monuments and national parks. John's other hobbies included home improvement projects and working on the computer. He and Marilyn are members of Christ Lutheran Church where he was active in the men's group. John also was interested in his family history and wrote a book about the Barnharts, tracing his line back to 1715. John is survived by his wife Marilyn; brother Larry; children, Mike and (Susan) Barnhart, Diane and (Richard) Viero, and Patti and (Mike) Ullerich; and grandchildren David and Jonathan Viero and Jacob and Sarah Ullerich. John will be greatly missed for his outgoing personality and willingness to help others. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 11:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 311 South Citrus Ave., West Covina, CA. 91791. Donations in John's honor can be made to Christ Lutheran or your local Salvation Army.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Gabriel Valley Tribune on Oct. 29, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for John Barnhart

11 Entries

Suzanne Owen Smith

October 23, 2024

I have never forgotten Mr. Barnhart. He taught me to play the violin starting 4th grade in Baldwin Park. Such fun memories playing in the district orchestra. Mr Pickering instructed the band. We moved to West Covina in 1960 and when I got to high school he came to instruct the band!
No orchestra there so I played the bells in the marching band when they competed. Wonderful kind memories I have of him. I´m sorry he passed at such a young age as I´m now 75. Never knew his family but I hope they are well, happy and have fond memories of him too.

John McGuire

November 14, 2010

After the memorial service, have been looking for opportunity to get this recorded here. It was a satisfying service - the Lord Jesus was glorified in Mr. B's life and Mr. B was honored. I am grateful for all he invested in us students, even when some of us gave him a hard time. Thanks Mr. B.

John McGuire (class of '72).

November 5, 2010

I remember John as a faithful servant of the Altar Guild assisting Marilyn with duties such as preparing for communion, clean up after, generally setting order of the Bibles, Hymnals, envelopes etc. connected with the Altar Guild. He will be missed. Sympathies to his wife, Marilyn and his extended family. Lois & Dennis Barta

Becky Jacobs Rynders

November 4, 2010

Marilyn & Family
Just saw the notice of John's death. I feel so blessed to have gotten to know him, even it was email. I love helping him with the Barnhart book and that will always be a legacy to our family.
Becky Jacobs Rynders
Abilene, TX
Granddaughter of Alma Gertrude Barnhart Jacobs

October 31, 2010

Marilyn & family,
My most sincere sympathy to you all during this most difficult time.
I remember John although older than I. Remember Larry much better.
I certainly remember his parents and how in the summertime you could hear Emily playing that organ with music that filled the air and neighborhood. You see I lived in Denmark across the street and was Jean & Leonard Shirleys daughter. Such a wonderful and talented family. My thoughts and prayers are with you....May God Bless.
Sharon Sherer, Marion Oh

Pete Russo

October 31, 2010

I have been heavy hearted since hearing of Mr. B's passing. Imagine where this world would be with more John Barnhart's in classrooms! His discipline, focus and drive encouraged students to succeed. His boundless passion and energy influences me to this day. His passion for music stays with me and has given me the ability to share with my children. As we mourn, I know heaven's choir is rejoicing and John has passed to his eternal destiny. There is not doubt the first words he heard were, "Well done good and faithful servant!"

October 30, 2010

Marilyn,
Although we have never met, I have always enjoyed the family connection to you (Klingel). Over the years , we have exchanged many emails concerning your family tree searches. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Hopefully some day we will still meet. If not I hope we will stay in touch. I have a new email address...it is now [email protected]. . The old yahoo one is gone.
He will be missed.

Deborah Baldauf (Marion Ohio)

Mark Neighbors

October 30, 2010

There is not a single HS memory that does not incude what Mr. B created in the band room, on the field or on a parade route somewhere. My life in HS was the band and the friends that were cultivated from the atmosphere that he created and I am ever grateful for knowing him. He will fondly be remembered!

Marguerite Roberts

October 30, 2010

Marilyn and family: I am a friend from First EUB Church in Marion. I have very fond memories of John and our days in Youth Fellowship and the parties at his Marion home. My deepest sympathy is with you and the family at this time of great loss. I wanted to write but have lost the address. Pass my sympathy on to Larry also. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Marguerite "Marty" Roberts

Mervyn Matteson

October 29, 2010

John Barnhart!

I am so sorry I was never able to locate you.

The news of your death has given me that "Oh so familiar feeling of grief and loss when someone you admired and loved dies."

I never would have admitted I loved and admired you during our days at Marion's Harding High School, but I was very proud to sit second chair to your first chair baritone horn. Who could read a score and keep a beat better than you? Maybe your Dad or your Mom, but certainly not me.

You were my "private instructor" from the fall of 1953 thru the spring of 1955. "John, please, play this and show me how it's supposed to sound," I would say. I recall how amazed I was that you managed to play the string bass in orchestra, too, and then step out and play solo piano on an arrangement of "Slaughter on 10th Avenue" with band accompaniment. I wondered but never knew how many different musical instruments you could play. I just remember you were "very good."

You know I loved "Slaughter . . .". I loved it mostly because when you were at the keyboard I was by default "first chair baritone horn." Fortunately I was never challenged.

I would love to have chatted with you and swapped some exagerated events from our pasts. You are a source of fun, joy and excitement from my high school memories. I seem to remember we could laugh together well.

I will always regret I did not try harder . . . try harder to play as well or better than John Barnhart; and . . . try harder to locate you and connect with you.

May the Lord, the Holy One, bless and keep you, all your family members and all whom you love, now and forever more.

Mervyn "Merv" Matteson, HHS 1956
October 29, 2010

Dennis Shearer

October 29, 2010

Many of my fondest memories from high school are because of how much fun Mr. Barnhart made band. He was strict but fair and he is greatly responsible for my love of music which is still with me to this day. He will be missed.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results