Roy H. Barnhart, 97, of West Lafayette, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2024 at IU Health Arnett Hospital. He was born November 21, 1927, in Lafayette to the late Paul and Mabel (Metzger) Barnhart. Roy graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School and continued his education at Indiana University and Purdue University, earning hisContinue Reading
Roy H. Barnhart
November 21, 1927 - December 30, 2024
Service
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
Memorial
Memorial contributions in Roy’s name may be given to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Roy H. Barnhart, 97, of West Lafayette, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2024 at IU Health Arnett Hospital. He was born November 21, 1927, in Lafayette to the late Paul and Mabel (Metzger) Barnhart.
Roy graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School and continued his education at Indiana University and Purdue University, earning his Master’s Degree in Education. Roy was a dedicated teacher, as well as a self-employed piano tuner and musician. He served in the United States Army as a musician from 1946 – 1947. On June 8, 1956, he married Caroline Wade in Indianapolis.
Roy’s passion and talent lay in his musicianship. He was a member of the American Federation of Musicians, the Lafayette Citizens Band for 70 years, and the Jim Alkire Band. He was inducted into the Lafayette Jazz Hall of Fame in 2012, as recognition of his 40-year stint in the Emporium Dixieland Jazz Band and 10 years in The Big Swing Band. He was a talented performer and arranger. Roy’s other passion was woodworking. He crafted many beautiful decorative objects and furniture that he shared with family, friends, and the wider community.
Along with his wife, Caroline Barnhart of West Lafayette, he is survived by his children, Roger and Karen, two grandsons, and one great-granddaughter.
Memorial contributions in Roy’s name may be given to the charity of the donor’s choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.