- Date Of Birth: December 15, 1953
- Date Of Death: April 13, 2016
- State: Indiana
Michael Ray Barnhizer, affectionately known to many as “Barney” passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2016. He was a life long resident of Franklin. He was born December 15th, 1953, in Franklin. He was the son of Stanley Comer Barnhizer and Betty Lou (Ray) Barnhizer.
In his younger years, Mike was a talented pitcher for Little League baseball. He left the mound for his love of music. He graduated from Franklin Community High School in 1972. After graduating he pursued his love of music and played in a band which eventually took him east, to Pennsylvania, where he met the love of his life, Cheryl Ann (Tagge) Barnhizer. The couple returned to Franklin to raise a family.
While his profession was painting and flipping houses, Mike’s real passion was music, specifically the Beatles. A self-taught accomplished guitar player and pianist, Mike spent many hours recording the Beatles’ hits. He also enjoyed the game of golf and could be found with his buddies on courses around the area.
Surviving is his wife Cheryl, his daughter, Alysha (Scott) Sherry, and his son, Jason (Carrie) Barnhizer, his sister Pamela (Art) Barnhizer-Briggs who all reside in Franklin. He was a grandfather to seven grandchildren: Austin Barnhizer, Autumn Barnhizer, Keaton Barnhizer, Gabi Sherry, Luke Sherry, Madi Sherry, and Drew Sherry, and an uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Mike was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He didn’t know a stranger and always had time to share a story or joke. He was quick-witted and smart. His laughter was contagious. He spent countless hours on his back porch with family watching sunsets and listening to music. He shared his love of music with his family and friends.