Mr. Pearl "Junior" Barnhart Jr.

Pearl "Junior" Barnhart, Jr., of New Cumberland, West Virginia, passed away at his home on Wednesday March 25, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, faith, and devotion to family.

Born on November 15, 1935, in St. Mary's, West Virginia, Junior was the youngest of two boys born to the late Pearl and Hazeline Schultz Barnhart.

Junior was a soft-spoken and kind man, known for his strong work ethic and sharp mind, particularly his talent with building homes. He spent many years working in the Weirton Steel mill and on the Weirton Steel railroad, where he served as a brakeman, conductor, and ultimately earned his position as an engineer through dedication and study. Following changes in the industry, he continued his career in the boiler house.

A man of many talents, Junior earned certification as a diesel mechanic and also drove a school bus, built homes, farmed land, and pursued various entrepreneurial ventures. He purchased and developed a 150-acre farm in New Cumberland, creating streets and building homes, many for his own family.

Junior served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War serving in Germany and France.

He was a faithful member of the Weirton First Church of the Nazarene, where his faith remained a cornerstone of his life. It was through church that he met his wife, Noreen Sue Stewart Barnhart, whom he married on September 14, 1956. Sadly, after 67 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on June 24, 2023.

In his younger years, he was active in the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department, where he helped build the Oakland fire station and later served as Fire Chief.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Junior was preceded in death by his brother, Richard O'Neal "Neal" Barnhart on May 29, 2022.

He will be remembered with love by his children: Jim (Teresa) Barnhart, Ron(Anne) Barnhart, Debbie (Chuck) Kuhn, and Judy (Dan) Garver; nine grandchildren, Rachelle (Geoff) Jenkins, Cara Kuhn, Emily (Kevin) Cowey, Alec Barnhart, Ben (Mandy) Garver, Matt (Lauren) Garver, Mitchell (Austin) Garver, Melissa Backus and Jessica Barnhart; eight grandchildren, Sam, Zach, Cale, Chase, Virginia, Zach, Miles and Emma.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM at the Weirton First Church of the Nazarene 475 Colliers Way Weirton.

Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Weirton First Church of the Nazarene.

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