Charles Lester Barnhart

Gaithersburg, Maryland - Charles Lester Barnhart, a dedicated educator and devoted family man, passed away peacefully at home on June 14, 2023, in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He was 73 years old at the time of his passing, leaving behind a rich legacy of teaching and familial love.

Born on June 30, 1949, in Hagerstown, MD, Charles was the son of Albert Bert, Sr and June Barnhart. He is cherished by wife of 50 years, Margaret Dwyer Barnhart; his daughter Elizabeth Barnhart, her partner Brian White and her daughter Violet; his son Ben Barnhart and wife Traci and their children Samantha and Charlie; and his son Chris Barnhart and wife Melissa and their children Zoey, Phoebe, Calvin and Titus. Charles is also greatly missed by his sister Sandy Crum, and brothers Albert “Scip” Barnhart, Jr, Jeff Barnhart, David Barnhart and their entire families.

He grew up in Hagerstown, MD and developed a strong bond with the area that would shape his life's work. Charles graduated from North Hagerstown High School, where his passion for education was ignited, and he excelled academically. As class president, he stayed in close contact with many classmates and nurtured life-long friendships.

Following his graduation from high school, Charles pursued his dream of becoming an educator. He enrolled at the University of Maryland, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Education and History – at the same time, graduating in four years in 1973. Driven by his desire to make a positive impact on young lives, Charles dedicated himself to a 41-year-long teaching career in Montgomery County, Maryland schools.

During his four decades in the education field, Charles served as a baseball, volleyball and softball coach for Magruder and Seneca Valley High Schools. His teams had great success, including winning more than 100 games with his Girls softball team over a 10-year time span.

His passion for teaching was only surpassed by his love for his family, especially his grandchildren with whom he developed a special bond. Whether in the back yard of the family home in Gaithersburg or spending time on the Delaware shore – time with his grandchildren was always special.

A memorial service to honor the life of Charles Lester Barnhart will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023, at 10:00 am, with a service to follow at 11:00 am at DeVol Funeral Home, 10 East Deer Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS.org).