Gene Barnhart

Gene Barnhart, 95, of Canton went home to be with his Lord on December 31, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 22, 1928 to Margaret and Forrest H. Barnhart in Pineville, West Virginia.

Gene was a man amongst men, displaying a nobility and strength of character rare in these times. He was a man of deep convictions, unwavering integrity and the courage to defend his deeply held beliefs. Despite possessing a brilliant mind and stunning intellect, an exemplary career, and all the professional achievements and accolades one could hope for, his daughters describe a fairytale childhood with their loving mother and father. Unlike most men of his generation, Gene was extremely involved in his daughter's lives, as much as mothers typically were during that time. He was a man of unconditional love, deep compassion, and boundless generosity not only to his family but to others in need, often anonymously.

Gene was a lawyer for 70 years. He was president as well as first in his class, graduating from University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1953. He worked for the government for a short period of time, before joining Black, McCuskey, Souers and Arbaugh Law Firm in 1955. Gene concentrated his practice in the areas of commercial real estate and zoning. He served as president for two years and senior partner for 10 years at the firm. He frequently lectured for the Ohio Bar Association and other professional organizations and was considered to be one of the top real estate lawyers in Ohio. Gene retired in 1998 after a distinguished 43 year career and continued to practice until 2023.

Gene believed it was his responsibility and privilege to use his talents and skills as an attorney to serve his community. Among the many organizations he served were:

The Jackson Board of Education from 1965-73 where he was a member as well as president for one term; The Stark County United Way Board of Trustees; 31 years as a member of the Jackson Township Board of Zoning Appeals where he was acting chairman of the board for 16 years; Former president of the Stark County Council of Churches; and Co-founder and past president of the Canton Preservation Society, the cause closest to his heart. Through the years he was instrumental in rescuing historic buildings from demolition and a grateful fellow preservationist asserted "We could never have done it without Gene Barnhart". He also served on many committees in various capacities through the years at Church of the Lakes, Calvary Chapel, and most recently, Whipple Avenue Baptist Church. Gene was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Jackson Township Jaycees in 1981 as well as the Community Award from the Jackson Belden Chamber of Commerce in 1982.

Gene was a true Renaissance man with countless interests and a depth of knowledge especially in Colonial and Victorian architecture, classical music and opera, history and world events, Oriental carpets, Art, and Classic Cars. Although not a professional, he was a gifted architect designing 6 stunning additions to his

home; the most recent of which includes three huge stained glass windows from a church slated for destruction.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene, who cared for him with great compassion and selflessness throughout their 2-1/2 years of marriage and four grieving daughters: Sheryl Dickey (John), Debbie Orians, Taffie Elise Knight (Tony), Pam Dean(Michael); 11 grandchildren, Matt Dickey(Tri Luong) Josh Dickey, Alex and Alyssa Orians, Brandon Knight, Kristi Knight Greenfield (Devan), Michael, Mia, and Mei Li Dean, Zack and Zeb Barnhart Atkinson, and four great-grandchildren, Juliet McWilliam and Aidan Dickey, Trevor and Tanner Atkinson. Also surviving are stepchildren Debra Rivers, Michael (Cheryl) Piatt, step grandchildren Sarah and Sallie Piatt, Justin (Jen) Rivers.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley of 63 years, (d. 2015) his daughter, Margaret Melanie (d. 2020), and son-in-law, Kim Orians (d. 2021). His brother Neil Barnhart and sister JoAnn Barnhart also preceded him in death.

Friends may call Friday January 5 from 4 to 7 PM at the Karlo-Libby Funeral Home, 5000 Everhard Rd. NW., Canton. A celebration of life will begin at 11 am preceded by calling hours at 10 AM, on Saturday, January 6 at Whipple Avenue Baptist Church, 191 Whipple Ave. N.W. with Pastors Shaun Matako and John Moosey officiating. Internment will follow in North Lawn cemetery. Due to the rise in respiratory illnesses, masks are recommended but not required for your safety and the safety of others.