Philip George Barnheiser

Philip George Barnheiser, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, World War II veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully in hospice care on October 13, 2026, at the age of 100.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, on February 4, 1926, to Harold and Martha Barnheiser, Phil grew up in Dayton and graduated from Fairview High School. Shortly after graduation, he joined the Army infantry during World War II and served in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the war's most significant battles. His service to his country remained an important part of his life's story.

Following the war, Phil attended The Ohio State University and married Betty Younce Barnheiser, his wife of 71 years. He began his career at NCR before joining J.M. Woodhull Inc. as sales manager, where he worked for 40 years. Phil enjoyed his work so much that, by the time he retired, he had accumulated two full years of unused vacation time.

Phil was also a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the 32nd Degree Masons and the Blue Lodge in Dayton for 70 years, a tenure recognized as one of the longest in Ohio Masonic history.

An avid sportsman, Phil loved tennis and played regularly with his buddies well into his 80s. When his knees made tennis too difficult, he simply traded his racket for golf clubs and continued playing into his 90s. Even in his mid-90s until just recently he could often be found riding his scooter around the neighborhood on a nice day.

At age 90, Phil participated in Honor Flight, traveling to Washington, D.C., with fellow veterans to visit the memorials honoring their service and sacrifice. It was a particularly meaningful experience for him.

Phil enjoyed remarkably good health throughout his long life, remaining active and independent well into his later years. His family often joked that the secret to his longevity might have been his habit of eating several donuts a day. Whatever the secret, Phil enjoyed life on his own terms.

Phil was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Younce Barnheiser. He is survived by his four children: Robin Granson (Marc), Scott Barnheiser (Marge), Lori Myers (Bill), and Gregg Barnheiser; eight grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the FSHD Society, P.O. Box 70218, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0218, (https://give.fshdsociety.org) or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090-1891 (www.nationalmssociety.org).