Obituaries
Robert M. “Mike” Barnhart, 70
December 30, 2014
Robert M. “Mike” Barnhart, 70, of Lititz, with his family by his side, died Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center. Mike was born in Lancaster to the late John and Helen Wagner Barnhart. He shared 44 years of marriage with his wife Gail B. Strauss Barnhart. Mike dearly loved his wife, children and grandchildren.
A graduate of J. P. McCaskey High School, Mike served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Millersville University. A longtime Lititz business owner, Mike operated R.M. Barnhart’s Appliance and Electronics. Later in life, he earned his Master’s degree from Penn State and taught Electronics at Lancaster Vo-Tech for over thirty years.
Mike was known for his sense of humor, keen intellect and creative gourmet meals. He loved to spend time down at the Chesapeake Bay with his wife and grandchildren. In his youth, he enjoyed racing pigeons and hunting and fishing with his brothers. Raising, training and showing dogs was a source of achievement and pride.
In addition to his wife Gail, Mike is survived by four children: Peter J. Barnhart, husband of Caroline (Thomas) of Neffsville, Christopher M. Barnhart, husband of Bonnie S. (Adams) of Rothsville, Kerry Ann Barnhart Dorwart, wife of Bob of Manheim and Scott R. Barnhart, husband of Heather (Dorwart) of Lititz. Mike and Gail have eight wonderful grandchildren Danielle, Kole, Isaac, Maisie, Raygan, Paytan, Cooper, and Sage. Mike was preceded in death by his two brothers and two sisters.
Mike’s family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2015, with his celebration of life and Full Military Honors to follow at 2:00 pm at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane League of Lancaster, 2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602 or to Pennsylvania Wonded Warriors, Inc., 1117 Country Club Rd., Camp Hill, PA 17011.
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Condolences to the Family
February 07, 2024
Dear Barnhart Family,
I was a student of Mike’s in 1986-87 Brownstown Vo-tech. I always considered him very instrumental in helping me advance in my career. He had an uncanny way of getting through to a rag tag group of students – me in particular. I still remember how he taught trigonometry to us using a reference to a presumed Indian named CAHSOHTOA.
I have been living in Florida for the last 10 years and recently was going through some paperwork where I found a business reference and letter of recommendation that he had written for me. He would often say to me, that he admired me for my tenacity, as he knew that I had worked full-time at night while going to electronics school during the day. He was such a great motivator for me – especially at that time in my life. I will always hold a great deal and respect for him and hope his family is doing well. Rest in Peace, R. Michael Barnhart.
Sincerely,
Aaron M. Rye
January 09, 2015
Gail and family we are so sorry for your loss.Mike’s journey in life is over and he will not have any
more pain or problems.May he rest in peace.Keep the good memories and God bless you at this difficult time.
Your neighbor’s Stan and Lorraine Kemery
January 09, 2015
Dear Gail,
Dave and I were so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing.I always prayed for him. I hope he has finally found peace that he has been searching for for a long time and is now free of pain. We were going to come to the services but we both ended up with this bug that’s going around. You need to take care of yourself. Please know that Dave can do whatever needs done at Buttonwood in the Spring. Please try to come down this summer. We can come and get you. I miss you on the beach. God Bless Mike,you and your family.
Dave & Linda Canning
January 09, 2015
I will always remember Mike or Barney as I used to call him and how he broke me into my position as counselor for the CTC. He certainly added a whole new level of “training” and education to my role and over 21 years later am still drawing upon so many of his famous quotes. I always appreciated his support and kindness in spite of the fact that he made it quite clear he “never met a counselor that didn’t need counseling”. R.I.P. my friend.
Leslie Schlosser
January 06, 2015
Dear Barnhart family,
I just wrote a note of condolence for the Kiehl family who lost a loved one (wife, mom, and gradma), and now I am remembering your husband and dad with my sincere sympathy. I remember all of you from my many years at Warwick. I am certain that your dad was proud of all of you. I am in prayer for all members of your family. I hope that cherished memories abate your grief somewhat.
Deann Buffington (formerly Showers), Warwick German and English teacher (1971-2000)
January 06, 2015
Kerry and Bob, Thinking of you and your family at this sad time. Sandy Funk
January 06, 2015
Cindy and I are really sorry for your loss.
David and Cindy Rose
January 05, 2015
It was a privilege to have known Mike as a colleague and fellow instructor he will be missed for his great sense of humor and caring attitude towards his students.
He was a part of a great team of teachers from the ‘back hall’ at Brownstown Vo-tech when comaraderire was king at the tech. A truly unique individual with loyalty and a sense of right and wrong which he shared with those around him.
Dave Schlosser
January 05, 2015
A fine gentleman who was the best. Sleep tight my good friend. I will remember all our good times in the TV business. Condolences to his family and wife, Gail. God Bless, Mickey and Naomi Falcone
January 05, 2015
Dear Mrs. Barnhart and family:
I knew Mike for many years as his/your insurance Broker Dennis Jeff with Glenn E. Orndorf, Inc. first with Diem Service Center, then when Mike went out on his own.Mike was always a pleasure to work with, had a smile at all times and was a good businessman.I have not seen Mike in years but think fondly of him. I am so sorry for your loss and know everyone who knew Mike will miss him. Know that my wife and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Very Sincerely,
Dennis W. Jeff
Lancaster, PA
January 04, 2015
Mike was my cousin who I have not seen in many, many years – I send my condolences to this family, so sorry for your lose.
Marsha Nogle Stough
January 03, 2015
Please accept our sincerest sympathy to the entire family.
Frank & Sandi Bailey, Middletown, Delaware
- Services
- Saturday, January 10, 2015
- 2:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
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