(6-11-24) Craig Barhorst (38) of Anna passed away after a reported farming accident while bailing hay in a field that took place south of Botkins on Sunday. Barhosrt died from his injuries.

Police and rescue crews were called to the 15800 block of County Road 25A on reports of a farming accident in a field.

The incident remains under investigation.

Craig Edward Barhorst Obituary

Craig Barhorst

Craig Edward Barhorst, 38, of Anna, passed away the morning of Sunday, June 9, 2024 on his family farm.  Although his passing was the result of a tragic accident, Craig passed away doing what he loved.  He was born on May 6, 1986 in St. Marys, to Bob and Tammy (Brown) Barhorst who survive in Anna.  On June 26, 2021, he married Lauren M. Fehlan, who survives in Anna, with their children, Lilly, Zoey, and Tucker.  Craig was welcomed into Heaven by his son, Noah. 

Growing up on a crop production family farm, to say Craig was obsessed with farming would be an understatement.  From playing with tractors to driving one at a young age, Craig considered himself blessed to be living out his dream on the family farm.  Growing up, he was involved in 4-H and FFA, raising and showing livestock.  A 2004 graduate of Botkins High School, he graduated from Wright State with a bachelor of arts degree before returning home. 

Although he took great pride in being a farmer, Craig’s true calling was as a husband and dad.  He worked hard to be present in his children’s lives, amongst the long hours of farming.  His kids, along with many other small members of the family, became his shadows, following in his footsteps and going on tractor rides.  As a family, Craig loved the small, simple moments of taking a ride in the Gator to check on the cows, or enjoying the latest meat he smoked, followed by ice cream.  He always had a smile, which frequently turned into an infectious laugh and truly would do anything for anyone. 

Survivors also include his brother, Robert “BJ” (Lauren) Barhorst, of Botkins; sister, Angie Barhorst, of Anna; nieces and nephew, Abby, Avery, and Cody; his father- and mother-in-law, Brian & Jana Fehlan of Wellington; siblings-in-law, Erik Fehlan, of Columbus, Kirsten Fehlan, of Atlanta, GA, and Alex Fehlan, of Dallas, TX; paternal grandmother, Bernice Barhorst, of Anna; maternal grandparents, Ruth Ann Tillman, of Anna and Tom Brown, of Lenoir City, TN; paternal uncles and aunts, Steven (Mary) Barhorst, Joann (David) Myers, Mary (Lynn) Fell, Ronald Barhorst, Donna (David) Sprague, Carol (Steve) Dircksen, Linda (Doug) Stienecker, James (Jacqui) Barhorst, Julie (Brad) Schulze, Keith (Karen) Barhorst, Connie (Ryan) Smith, Cathy (Louis) Bruns, and Lori (Ryan) McAleer; maternal uncles, Rick (Sandy) Asbury and Robert “Buck” (Michelle) Tillman; and an extended family of cousins.

Craig was also preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Thomas Barhorst; maternal step-grandfather, Bob Tillman; uncles, Michael Barhorst and Joey Greve; cousins, Hannah, Alex, and Colton Barhorst; cousin-in-law, John Fullenkamp; and his best friend, Johnny Oellerman.

A Funeral Liturgy will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 14, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Botkins.  Father John Tonkin will officiate and interment will follow in Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery.  Family and friends may visit from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Wapakoneta.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family to be used for his children’s future education.