Sunbury, Pennsylvania - John Edward Barnhart III, 68, of Sunbury, passed away suddenly on Monday afternoon, Sept. 22, 2025, while working at the Bloomsburg Fair on Irene's Caboose food truck — a labor of love he shared with his son.

A proud veteran, John was known for his love of people, his passion for community, and his dedication to the city of Sunbury, where he served as a councilman. He could always be counted on to bring laughter to a room with his humor and magic tricks. He never walked through a grocery store aisle or past a restaurant booth without stopping to share a joke or story.

Born Sept. 25, 1956, in Sunbury to John Edward Barnhart Jr. and Irene Dorothy (Hunter) Barnhart, John was one of seven children. His fondest memories were spent with his siblings and in the Third Ward with his friends Craig, Frank, and Carl — such good friends that he later wrote a song about them.

A 1975 graduate of Shikellamy High School, John and his friend Steve enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly traveled the seas in service to their country. Up until his passing, John remained in contact with all of his shipmates. After the Navy, he attended Williamsport Area Community College (WACC), pursued barber school, and opened his own barber shop. Even after closing the shop, he continued to cut hair for family, a tradition that lasted throughout his life. In 2023, John retired from Weis Markets, where he had been a dedicated truck driver for more than 34 years.

On Feb. 24, 1979, John married the love of his life, Sherry Kay Shultz, in Lewisburg. Together, they shared 44 years of marriage before her passing in 2023. Recently, John formed a loving relationship with Janie, who brought out the best in him and added new joy to his life.

Music was a constant thread in John's life. He played bass guitar, sang, wrote songs, and was an entertainer at heart. In the 1980s, he played with the band The Remnant, which recorded a popular record and remains a proud part of his legacy. He also played in Timothy's Burden and The River City Band.

John is survived by: John and Heather Barnhart, Lindie Lloyd, and Lori and Ted Yost; and by his much-loved grandchildren: Ronald, Skyler, Trevor, Julia, Mackenzie, Alivia, Preston, Llawsyn, Ellis, Memphis, Kai, Hunter and Arlet, along with extended grandchildren Ian, Livingston, Alexandria, and Katherine. He is also survived by his siblings, Danny Barnhart, Gail Barnhart, Diana Reich, Dot Dreese, Sue Snyder, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sherry; his parents, John Edward Barnhart Jr. and Irene Dorothy (Hunter) Barnhart; and his sister, Penny (Irene Marie).

John was deeply committed to fellowship and community. He was a proud Pennsylvania Freemason, serving as Worshipful Master of Sunbury Masonic Lodge No. 22, a member of the Heroes of '76 Chapter No. 76, the Scottish Rite, Valley of Williamsport, the Red Cross of Constantine, and the National Sojourners, Lycoming Chapter. He was a lifetime member of the Americus Hose Company and an active member of the American Legion Post 201. Through these organizations, John rose through the chairs and ranks, often rallying people together to support charitable causes, veterans and his community.

John lived in a Sunbury where kids rode bikes until the streetlights came on, department stores bustled, and families could thrive on good jobs. His vision was to restore Sunbury to a place where business thrives and people feel safe in their community. It is the hope of his family and friends that someone will continue this vision in his honor.

John had a sweet tooth, loved soda, and drank chocolate milk, often paired — uniquely — with mayonnaise sandwiches. He collected Norman Rockwell art, and in his life, there was always room for a song, a joke, a magic trick, or a helping hand. His "bad jokes," his music, his meatball recipe, and his devotion to family and community will echo in the hearts of those who loved him.