Michael Barleycorn

Michael Barleycorn, 71, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away on April 17, 2024, in the early afternoon at St. Ann's Hospital. Born on October 30, 1952, in Columbus, Ohio, Michael was the son of the late Charles and Dorothy (née Carroll) Barleycorn.
Michael grew up in Columbus, Ohio, spending his summers at Buckeye Lake where he developed a passion for fishing and the outdoors. He graduated from Bishop Hartley in 1970, after graduating from Bishop Hartley High School, Michael joined the Army Reserves. He completed his USA medic training at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, serving for five years as a medical corpsman and radiographic technician, where his service was distinguished by awards such as the Sharpshooter Badge (M-16) and the Marksman Badge (M-14). After his military service, he completed the demanding and intensive medical program at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, graduating as a Physician Assistant and beginning a notable medical career. Since 1978, Michael worked in various hospitals and physicians' offices, most recently with Ohio Health, with specialties in Family Practice, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, and Plastic Surgery. He was loved for his humorous and comforting bedside manner. After retiring from a successful medical career, Michael volunteered at the Columbus Zoo alongside Linda. There, they dedicated many days to assisting guests, providing information about the animals and the Columbus Zoo's conservation efforts. Additionally, he became a starter at NorthStar Golf Club where he enjoyed chatting with members and proudly sharing stories about his grandchildren. Outside of work and volunteering, Michael was a devout Catholic. He had been a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Sunbury, Ohio, for the past 20 years.
On June 11, 1977, Michael married the love of his life, Linda Steuer, at St. Frances Cabrini Church in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. Together, they celebrated 47 years of marriage and raised three children and five grandchildren. Even before Linda came into his life, Michael's first loves were fishing and boating. He purchased his first boat in 1974 and continued to own that same white 1975 Arrow Glass fishing boat for 50 years, he could often be found trolling for catfish and walleye at Buckeye Lake. He shared his love of fishing and the outdoors with his children and grandchildren, always teaching them his fishing secrets. A highly skilled woodworker and overall handyman, there was nothing he couldn't fix. He was particularly proud of the black powder cannon and long rifle he crafted by hand, which he would fire every Fourth of July at Buckeye Lake, lighting up the sky with a big smile on his face.
Michael's life was filled with proud achievements, such as being one of the first graduating classes from Penn State Hershey Medical School for Physician Assistants. Michael had always dreamed of owning his own house at Buckeye Lake where his children and grandchildren could always have a place to visit to enjoy fishing and the outdoors just as he did growing up. So, he was particularly proud of the house that he and Linda built in 2017 near the Copper Penny at Buckeye Lake, where he created countless memories over the years with his family and friends. However, his proudest achievement by far was his children, his grandchildren, and the life he built with his beloved wife, Linda. Michael never missed an opportunity to support his children. He always enjoyed watching his oldest daughter, Heidi, at her baton competitions, where he proudly saw her win nationals and receive a letter from the governor recognizing her accomplishment. He also coached his two sons in soccer throughout their lives, watching them go on to play college soccer at Anderson University. Michael never missed one of his kids' events, no matter how far away it was; he was always there.
Michael is survived by his wife, Linda Barleycorn (née Steuer); his three children, Heidi Fleshman (née Barleycorn) and her husband Andrew, his son Jon and his wife Jessica (née Reimann) Barleycorn, and his son Charlie Barleycorn and his significant other Jessica Weaver. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Morrison Alce, Drew Michael Mark, Scarlett Lynn, Henry Gustav, and Ophelia Rose; his sister Diane White, his brother James Barleycorn (Debbie), and his sister Tina Levin (Brett). He is also survived by his beloved nephew Chris Miller and many devoted family members from the Steuer and Taddeo families, with whom he created countless cherished memories. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dorothy (née Carroll) Barleycorn, his brothers-in-law Terry Taddeo and Ron White, and his in-laws Carl and Martha (née Shorsher) Steuer.
The Barleycorn family is grateful for the kindness of the first responders and the medical staff at St. Ann's, Snyder Funeral Homes, and St. John Neumann.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to two places that hold cherished memories of Michael with his wife Linda and their children. To honor Michael's cherished memories at the Columbus Zoo, please consider a donation at https://www.columbuszoo.org/zoo-fund. Additionally, contributions can be made to the Anderson University Men's Soccer Program, where he spent many years watching his sons play. Visit https://anderson.edu/give/soccer-stadium/ and specify 'Soccer Stadium' in your donation, or checks can be made payable to 'Anderson University Men's Soccer'. A tree and a plaque will be placed at the stadium in remembrance of Mike Barleycorn.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 26th from 5-8 PM at Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel in Sunbury. Calling hours will continue on Saturday, April 27th from 10-11 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, followed by a Mass and burial at Sunbury Memorial Park.
Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel is honored to serve the Barleycorn family with funeral arrangements. Please share a memory of Michael or a message of condolence with the family at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com