Jerry W. Barnhart

Jerry W. Barnhart was born on April 27, 1938, to Thomas and Louise Journey Barnhart in Portland, IN.  He graduated from Poling High School in 1956 and entered the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Thomaston.  After the military, he returned to Portland, IN, then moved to San Diego County to work in Banking and Finance which transferred him to Topeka, KS.  Jerry attended the University of Nebraska and served as a Bookkeeper, Controller, and Secretary/Treasurer in the trucking industry in Nebraska.  In 1970, he was transferred to Los Angeles and attended Windsor University, International School of Business, and graduated from California Western University with an MBA in Business and Accounting.  In 1979, Jerry was transferred to Greensburg, IN, as Corporate Vice-President and General Manager for Houck Industries. He continued to feel the tug of God to go into the ministry. In May 1982, he entered Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, and graduated with an MAR degree in 1984.  He was vicar at Concordia Lutheran Church, Richmond, IN and was ordained on June 3, 1985. Pastor Barnhart followed God’s leading and served many congregations faithfully. He retired in 2000, but not really. He then trained in interim ministry where he was able to continue to share the love of God, assist congregations in need, and continue to lead many new hearts to God. He served in the ministry for 35 years and genuinely cared for and loved people. He was always ready to share God’s love with anyone he met, even into his last year of Alzheimer's.   

On December 11, 1965, he married Janice Jahnke and was a loving husband and father. The couple was blessed with seven children:  Pamela, Anna, Debra, Kimberly, Bronson, Leatha, and Sherry. He is survived by Janice his wife of 58 years, 6 children, 9 grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren. A few of Jerry’s favorite things were family, sharing the love of God, singing, reading the Word and devotionals every day, potlucks, milkshakes, and mochas.

In lieu of flowers, Jerry always encouraged Jan to socialize. If you want to send a gift card or cash to Mom in memory of Dad, we're sure he would've smiled knowing that Mom would be able to continue her fun times with the gals. These can be sent directly to her or to one of the kids to forward on to her.

A Celebration of Jerry's Life along with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 11:00 A.M.  at Visalia Clubhouse, 2627 Midvalley Ave., Visalia..

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry W. Barnhart, please visit our floral store.