Robert Scott Barnhouse Sr.

Robert Scott "Barney" Barnhouse, 71, of Burlington, passed away Friday, August 18, 2023 at Ruby Memorial Hospital.
Born November 12, 1951 in Keyser, Scott was a son of the late William and Nina (Lynch) Barnhouse. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Delores Dawson, and an infant brother, William.
Born with a love of baseball, Scott played throughout his childhood, going on to play shortstop on the 1967 and 1969 State Championship teams for Keyser High School. He played two years for the Potomac State Catamounts, then for numerous area baseball and softball teams over the years. A lifelong, die-hard Yankees fan, Scott finally got to attend a game at Yankee Stadium a few years ago. He had the time of his life.
After graduating from Keyser High in 1969, Scott enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he spent the next four years. After serving his country, he attended Potomac State, before going to work at Anchor Glass, where he spent the next 18 years before the plant closed. After that, Scott worked for 10 years at Shockey's in Winchester, then worked for local contractors until his retirement.
Scott was well-known for his sense of humor and his master joke-telling skills. He was his happiest when he had an audience, and would tell a story so well and so deadpan, really hooking you in, and then it always had a punchline. Got us every time. And then he would laugh that laugh that we all loved, the one that took every bit of breath he had. He lived to make us laugh. And he was just so good at it. The absolute best.
However, underneath that larger than life personality, Scott had the biggest heart you'll ever find. If he was your friend once, he was your friend forever. He loved his family and his friends so much. The more he teased you, the more he loved you. He was generous and always gave more than he probably should have. He was rich in all the ways that mattered the most. While some were cashing checks, he was cashing smiles and laughs. He was no doubt the most kind-hearted soul you'll ever find.
We just can't imagine this life without him. Scott was the life of the party everywhere he went. But what do you do when the life of the party isn't here anymore? I guess all you can do is make sure that he lives on in the retelling of all those stories and jokes. The recounting of all the hilarious or crazy things he did. Until one day when you see him again and you can hear them once more from the master himself. What a happy day that will be.
Scott is survived by his two children, Scott Barnhouse of Butte, MT and Megan Barnhouse of Kalispell, MT; and three grandchildren, Kiaya Christine Barnhouse, Parker Paul Williams, and Brixlee Quinn Barnhouse, all of Montana. Also surviving are his two sisters, Betty Kiggins and husband Delbert, and Bonnie Chaney and husband John, all of Burlington. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including his best pals Dalton "Shoey" Shoemaker, Wilma Salesky, Sarita Charlton, and Jim Llewellyn. He will also be forever missed by his faithful companion, his beagle Jeter.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Fountain Ruritan Building. Please come with any stories or memories you would like to share. If you plan on attending, please let Bonnie Chaney know at (304)289-3760.
Scott's family would like to thank the staffs at Potomac Valley Hospital and Ruby Memorial Hospital for the loving care he received. We are forever grateful.
The Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.