Harvey Barnhart

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Harvey James Barnhart. Harvey passed away at his home in Canon City, CO, on May 7th, 2026. He was 72 years of age.

Harvey was born on April 24, 1954, in Saint Francis, KS, to parents Jim and Mildred Barnhart. Harvey was the eldest of three children, growing up alongside his sisters, Darla and Cheryll. A pivotal moment in his childhood came in the 3rd grade when they all moved to what became their family farm, 15 miles NE of town. This setting would instill an unwavering work ethic and help shape the man he became. There were many chores that needed completion even before they could walk down the road to the country school. Chores like moving irrigation pipes and feeding the animals. Chores all five of them did together.

During his years at St. Francis High School, Harvey was extensively engaged in athletics and activities. He was on the football, wrestling, and track teams all 4 years, lettering in each. His senior year he was an All-League offense, All-League defense, and All-State Offensive guard football player. In wrestling he was a second-place state finisher at 185lbs, also placing 3rd in state his junior year. He was a returning letterman for the track team and one of 5 that qualified for the state tournament in Manhattan Kansas. The group finished 8th out of 54 teams. Additionally, he was Sgt of Arms for the C-Club, a class officer, on Student Council, Honor roll, Home Coming King Attendant, and yes, at one point he was even in the Junior Class Play and on the Chess Team.

After Graduating from St. Francis Community High School in 1972, Harvey attended Garden City Community College where he played football. He then transferred to what was called at the time Fort Hays Kansas State College and was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Following his college years, Harvey launched his own excavation business. During this time, he married his first wife, Pamela, and they were blessed with their son, Brandon. In 1985 the family later relocated to Canon City, CO, where Harvey began a long and dedicated career with Ary Bros./A & S Construction—the company from which he would eventually retire from, and where he made many friends along the way.

As his journey continued, Harvey met the love of his life, Janet Tallent, and the two were wed on April 28, 1990. Their family grew on May 7, 1991, with the birth of their daughter, Kristina Marie Barnhart. Kristina was the light of his life—an incredible daughter who truly meant the world to him.

Many of Harvey’s favorite memories were the countless camping and fishing trips, often joined by a very large and loving group of family. In addition to Janet, Kristina, and Brandon, fellow campers included parents, Jim and Mildred, Janet’s parents, Bill and Lee, brother and sister in law, Dave and Jill, and nephews, Jesse, James, and Cody.

One of Harvey’s most unforgettable memories was the 2009 family vacation to Hawaii. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip that brought the entire Barnhart family together, including Jim, Mildred, Brandon, Janet, Dave, Darla, Stan, Cheryll, Lindsay, Jill, Aaron, and Heather. The stories from that trip are still told fondly and frequently today, holding a special place in all of our hearts as a time that could never be recreated.

An avid motorcycle rider, Harvey explored North America on two wheels, logging thousands of miles across the continent. He and Janet shared many month-long adventures together, traveling to the rugged wilderness of Alaska, across the plains to Canada’s Eastern Provinces Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and through the winding Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway in the Appalachian Mountains. Beyond his travels with Janet, Harvey shared the open road with a group of friends calling these excursions “The Man’s Trip”, taking on significant rides through Las Vegas and the Southwest, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, and returning to the vast beauty of Alaska.

Harvey retired in May 2020 and found his entrepreneurial spirit once again by starting up his own ammunition manufacturing company called Iron Horse Ammo LLC.

Above all Harvey cherished his time as a Husband, Father and Grandfather, and in the summer of 2017 his granddaughter Brooke Barnhart was born. This gave him much joy. His remaining years were filled with frequent trips to see her, Brandon, and Annie in Atwood KS, and hosting their many trips to Canon City.   

He is survived by his wife, Janet Barnhart of Canon City, Colorado; his son, Brandon Barnhart, partner Anastasia Easterday, and granddaughter Brooke Barnhart, all of Atwood, Kansas. He also leaves behind his sisters, Darla Daniels and husband Dave of Garden City, Kansas; Cheryll 'Goober' Edmundson and husband Stan of Colby, Kansas; his brother-in-law, Dave Tallent and wife Jill of Erie, Colorado; his sister-in-law Mary Ann Moyer of Austin, Texas; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Waiting to welcome him home were those who preceded him in death: his daughter, Kristina Marie Barnhart; his parents, Jim and Mildred Barnhart; father-in-law and mother-in-law Bill and Lee Tallent. He will be missed deeply.

Funeral service will be held Friday, May 15, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at Wilson Memorial Chapel: 1449 S 9th St Canon City. Burial at Lakeside Cemetery. Reception to follow at Wilson Memorial Chapel. 

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