Obituary of Frank E Barnhill

Frank Edward ("Ed") Barnhill was born August 16, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois and passed on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at his home in Indianapolis, Indiana. Originally from Pine Knot, Kentucky, Ed's family had relocated to Illinois for better job opportunities. When Ed was young, the family moved again to Indianapolis. While nearly all of his life was spent in Indiana, Pine Knot was always considered the family's "home" with many friends & relatives still there today.

Ed left school at a young age to begin working. In fact, at the age of 16 he changed his birth certificate to show that he was 18 so that he could begin working with his dad at Evans Milling Company in 1959. It was at about this time that he met Shirley Lay, who would later become his lifelong wife and partner. After about 2 years at Evans Milling, Ed began working at the Chevrolet automobile production plant, where he continued to work for another 5 years. Prior to leaving Chevrolet, Ed purchased a liquor store near where his family lived just west of downtown Indianapolis in Haughville. With his partner, Dave Pugh, they built it into a successful business until they sold the store in 1975. (Today that storefront on Michigan street is an H&R Block tax preparation office)

Over the next several years, Ed operated several businesses that included auto dealerships, an office furniture refurbishment & re-sale company, and independent repair & selling of cars out of his own garage. In both his business and personal relationships - he was honest, trustworthy, and dependable. If he said it, you could count on it.

By the mid to late 1980s, Ed had mostly retired from regular work, though he was always working on something. Whether that was buying and re-selling various items from auctions or home improvement & renovation projects for his family or friends, Ed lived the "hustle lifestyle" before it had a name.

Ed eventually got away from the busy life to spend time relaxing and enjoying different hobbies, not to mention spending time with his family. Before they passed away, Ed could be found nearly every evening sitting on the swing in the yard with his parents, aunts and uncles and other family at his mom & dad's house in Speedway. And everyone knew that the door to Ed and Shirley's house was always open to anyone who wanted to stop by for a visit - no phone call ahead was required or expected.

Ed and Shirley were married in 1967, and their two sons, Bryan and Brad have always remained close to home, never leaving the west side where they grew up. They worked hard to instill their traditional beliefs and values to their boys, and both have grown to be good and caring men. Ed and Shirley were always proud of their boys, and the boys are grateful for the endless love and guidance from their parents.

Ed was surrounded by a large family that will miss him every day. He is survived by Shirley, his wife of 57 years and their two sons, Bryan (Kelly) and Brad (Laren) Barnhill. Three grandchildren: Keaton, Averee, and Brady, sister Shirley, step-grandchildren Christopher, Mitchell, Connor, & Katie, and 12 nieces and nephews.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents John (1991) and "Tennie" (1984) Barnhill, brothers Claude (2005), Charles (2000), and J.C. (1940). Sisters: Faye (2008) and Eva Ann (1941), and three nephews - John, Kenny, and Claude Jr. and daughter-in-law Shannon.