Frank Alvin Barnhart

December 6, 1929 – May 20, 2026

Frank Alvin Barnhart, age 96, a dedicated attorney, community leader, and devoted family man, passed away on May 20, 2026. Born on December 6, 1929, in Morgantown, West Virginia, he was the son of Professor John D. Barnhart and Zella M. Barnhart.

Frank graduated from University High School in 1947, where he excelled both academically and athletically, playing basketball from 1943 to 1947. He continued his education at Indiana University, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1952 and his law degree in 1957. While at Indiana University, he also played basketball during the 1947–1948 season.

Following his undergraduate studies, Frank served his country as a Special Agent with the Office of Special Investigations of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After completing his law degree, he began a distinguished legal career with the firm of Evens and Baker. Over the years, as the firm evolved, it became known as Baker, Barnhart, and Andrews; later Barnhart, Sturgeon, and Spencer; and ultimately Barnhart and Sturgeon.

Throughout his career, Frank was a respected attorney known for his extensive work in real estate development and community planning. He represented numerous major subdivisions and apartment complexes, including Eastland Plaza, The Point, Parkridge, Sycamore Knolls, Spicewood, and Hyde Park. He also served the Brown County Plan Commission, the Town of Nashville, Monroe Community Hospital, and many homeowners associations.

Frank was deeply committed to his community and professional organizations. His memberships included the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, Civil Air Patrol, Rotary, American Legion, Elks, Bloomington Community Parks Foundation, Lake Monroe Sailing Association, and the State of Indiana Bar Association. Notably, he served as Commodore of the Lake Monroe Sailing Association in 1977.

He enjoyed sailing and was an active participant in the Lake Monroe Sailing Association. Golf was a particular love; he began playing at the age of seven and continued into his early nineties, a pursuit highlighted by the rare accomplishment of scoring two holes-in-one. He also cherished taking long walks with his beloved dog, Sean.

Frank married Marjorie Duncan on July 11, 1952, and together they built a loving family and shared many meaningful years until her passing in August 1995. He later married Patricia Chester in December 1996. Patricia was a constant source of comfort and joy in his later years, and he deeply valued the time they spent together.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Cross; his son-in-law, Bob Cross; his brother, John Barnhart Junior, who passed away at the age of nine; his brother-in-law, Jens Zorn; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Clifford and Lou Duncan; and infant grandchildren, Jared Cross and Daniel Cross.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Barnhart; his sister, Frances Zorn of Ann Arbor, Michigan; his children, David Barnhart (Linda) of Middletown, Ohio, and Julie Abel (Tony) of Elwood, Indiana; his stepchildren, Ray Chester (Sherry) of Indianapolis, Indiana, John Chester of Corning, New York, Kandee Proctor of Bloomington, Indiana, and Mark Chester (Karla) of Trafalgar, Indiana; as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and two step-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service and interment will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 111 South Grant Street, Bloomington, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Red Cross at redcross.org

Frank will be remembered for his integrity, dedication to his profession, love of family, and lasting contributions to his community.