LARRY L. BARNHART
Larry L. Barnhart of Punta Gorda, FL, former Newton resident and Newton High School teacher, football and track coach passed away-August 18, 2024, he was 83 years old.
Larry L. Barnhart was born September 26, 1940, in McCook, Neb. to Lloyd E. and Betty A.
Barnhart, they preceded him in death. He married LaVonna Kay Whitford (Barnhart) November 26, 1961, in Norton, KS. She survives of the home. Larry attended Kearney State Teachers College earning a bachelor’s degree. Following his student teaching in Gothenburg, Nebraska he took his first teaching job in Harvard, Nebraska. Larry and LaVonna moved to Newton in 1968 with their two sons, L. Scott Barnhart and Brett A. Barnhart. While in Newton, Larry and his family were members of Trinity Heights UMC.
Larry enjoyed a 28-year career with Newton High School as a business and typing teacher as well as football and track coach.
After retiring from USD 373 in 1996, Larry worked at Graber Ace Hardware and Lumber and B&B Lumber in Newton until moving and retiring to Spring Hill, FL where he was an active member and officer of the Weeki Wachee Anglers Club and Mariner United Methodist Church. Moving to Punta Gorda, FL in 2019, he was co-commodore of the Pelican Harbor Yacht Club.
Larry was an avid sports fan supporting both sons, grandsons and granddaughter in their sports endeavors.
Larry’s hobbies besides sports included fishing, whether it be on the lake, river or ocean and socializing /gaming with the local community where they resided. The rumor has it that Larry got into teaching so he could coach sports. Larry also refereed HS and college basketball between seasons of track and football. After retiring from coaching, he ran the game clock for Newton High School football and Bethel College football.
He is survived by his wife, LaVonna of Punta Gorda, FL; L. Scott Barnhart (wife Karen Barnhart) of Hesston; KS, Brett A. Barnhart (wife Shelly Barnhart) of Bonita Springs, FL; 5 grandchildren, Luke Barnhart, Jack Barnhart, Brittany Swartz, Ethan Barnhart and Trevor Barnhart as well as 4 great-grandchildren and sister Sheryl Koller of Arapahoe, Neb.
Announcements for a celebration of life will be made at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, condolences can be expressed on social media.
