Donna Barkhau Hamilton
Donna Barkhau Hamilton, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on April 23, 2024, at the age of 75. Donna was born on July 5, 1948, to Reverend Harold Barkhau and Ada Barkhau. She spent her life in service to music, education, and her church community, leaving a lasting legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.
Donna dedicated two decades to leading the handbell choir at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Newport, Kentucky, where she was a lifetime member. Her commitment to the church’s music program was a testament to her deep faith and love for music. In addition to her church work, Donna was also a music teacher for 20 years, sharing her passion and talent with countless students.
Donna attended Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana, where she majored in voice, further developing her musical skills and passion. Her education in music was foundational to her career and her contribution to her community. Her voice, both literally and figuratively, resonated with those around her, and she was known for her warmth, compassion, and kind spirit.
Donna is preceded in death by her sister Mary (Don) Haas, sister Martha (Ron) Malone, and daughter Lori Hamilton. She leaves behind her loving husband of 54 years, Phil Hamilton, her daughter Kim (Chris) Lonneman, and her brother Bruce (Margie) Barkhau.
A celebration of Donna’s life will be held at St. John’s United Church of Christ at 415 Park Avenue, Newport, KY, 41071, on May 8, 2024. Visitation will be from 10:00am until 11:00am, with service of remembrance immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. John’s United Church of Christ Music Fund. https://secure.myvanco.com/YPK3/campaign/C-Z5TG
St. John’s United Church of Christ 415 Park Ave
Newport, KY 41071
St. John’s United Church of Christ 415 Park Ave
Newport, KY 41071
Donna Barkhau Hamilton
Address: ,Donna Barkhau Hamilton
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My history with Barkhau family
My history with the Barkhau family begins in 1976 when I was pastor of St. Peter’s UCC in Osgood Indiana. Bud Meyer was a brother to Ada Meyer Barkhau and a faithful member of the church along with his wife Bernice. I served the family when Bud passed suddenly and met the entire family. We renewed acquaintances when we joined St. John’s UCC in Newport many years later. I served 15 plus congregations as interim pastor, taught Clinical Diagnostics at UC and worked for TiHealth Medical Services as a Clinical Supervisor until I retired December, 2010. While we were at St. John’s, I assisted Pastor Steve Hecky in Healing Services, Communion Services, preached in his absence and made paroral calls when Steve was on vacation. Susan and I later sang in the choir under Donna’s direction and I played piano when asked by Mike Sullivan, organist. Unfortunate circumstances caused us to leave the congregation due to a poor choice of pastors after Steve retired. We changed memberships as a result of that decision. I was saddened to learn of her death and offer heartfelt condolences to Phil and Donna’s family. She was a dedicated Christian and faithful and true to her calling in music.
Sincerely, Dr Jim and Susan Colding
The Avery Family
Condolences to Phil and Kim from your old neighbors, Jim, Carolyn, Mindy and Mitch,—-so sorry for your loss,
A beautiful person!
Donna was on the committee at St. John’s that hired me as their choir director in 1979. She along with Phil and their extended families adopted my family as we were alone in Cincinnati. We were only there for 4 years and became lifelong friends with them. I am devastated and want to offer my sincere condolences to Phil, Kim and the entire family. That beautiful soul is now singing soprano in heaven.
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