Charles E Barnhart, Jr.

Deacon Charles E. “Charley” Barnhart, Jr., 69, of Taneytown, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Carroll Hospital after a battle with cancer. Born December 5, 1954 in Gettysburg, PA, he was the son of the late Martha (Jeffcoat) Barnhart and Charles E. Barnhart, Sr.

Charley graduated from Francis Scott Key High School in 1972 where he was active in the choral music department, singing all four years and participating in musicals.

Family life for Charley was not a bed of roses. He believed the church would never have influenced his life had it not been for Mary and Kent Hall. They took him into their home and taught him that as God’s child he was someone who mattered. They challenged Charley to live life to the fullest and to live it by being a part of God’s kingdom and participating in the church. The Messiah United Methodist Church in Taneytown gave Charley a strong foundation of God’s love to build his life on.

Helping people gave Charley a great deal of satisfaction. He had a long history of serving within the fire community beginning with the Taneytown Fire Co. in 1973, where he was Recording Secretary, Chaplain, and Ambulance Captain over the years. During this time he was also employed as a Dispatcher at the Carroll County 9-1-1 Emergency Center and in 1983 became the first paid engineer at Reese Vol. Fire Co. Charley also became the first EMS Training Coordinator for the county. He was elected President of the Carroll County Vol. Fireman’s Association in 1989 and was made an Honorary Life Member of the Union Bridge Fire Co. In 1998, he became a life member of the Taneytown Fire Co. He served as Chaplain for the Cumberland Valley Fireman’s Association and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. He was a school bus driver and eventually owned and operated Barnhart’s Bus Service serving Carroll County Public Schools. More recently, he worked for some of the local funeral homes.

In addition to fire service, Charley was very involved in the work of the Lord. He served as Choral Director from 1987-1998 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Taneytown.  He also served as Deacon at Trinity until he left to become Deacon at Keysville Lutheran Church up until his death. He has officiated many weddings and funerals throughout the community and will be missed by many.

He is survived by foster mother Mary G. Hall, foster siblings Lura Kappes, Matthew Hall (Meagan), and Allison Lindahl (Doug), long-time friend A.J. Makibbin, 5 nieces and 1 nephew. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Ronald and Michael, and foster brother-in-law Mickey Kappes.

Friends may call on Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Keysville Lutheran Church, 7301 Keysville Rd., Keymar, MD 21757.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll St., Westminster, with good friend Pastor Matthew Thiringer officiating and Bishop Bill Gohl presiding. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Keysville Lutheran Church, 7301 Keysville Rd., Keymar, MD 21757 or Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company Inc., 39 East Baltimore Street, Taneytown, MD 21787.

To virtually attend the service please see below: