Shelby County man dies after farming accident – Mercer County Forecast

(6-11-24) Craig Barhorst Anna, 38, died after a reported agricultural accident while harvesting hay in a field that occurred Sunday south of Botkins. Barhosrt died from his injuries.

Police and emergency crews were called to 15800 County Road 25A for a report of an agricultural accident in a field.

The incident remains under investigation.

Obituary for Craig Edward Barhorst

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

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

Although Craig took great pride in being a farmer, his true calling was being a husband and dad. He worked hard to be present in his children’s lives amid long hours of farm work. The children, along with many other small members of the family, became his shadows, following in his footsteps and driving his tractors. As a family, Craig loved the little, simple moments like taking a gator ride to check on the cows, or enjoying the newest smoked meat and then eating ice cream. He always had a smile that often turned into a contagious laugh and he truly would do anything for anyone.

Survivors also include his brother, Robert “BJ” (Lauren) Barhorst of Botkins; sister Angie Barhorst Anna; nieces and nephew, Abby, Avery and Cody; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Brian and Jana Fehlan of Wellington; brothers-in-law Erik Fehlan of Columbus, Kirsten Fehlan of Atlanta, Georgia and Alex Fehlan of Dallas, Texas; paternal grandmother, Bernice Barhorst, of Anna; maternal grandparents, Ruth Ann Tillman, Anna and Tom Brown, Lenoir City, Tenn.; 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 extended family of cousins.

Craig was also preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Thomas Barhorst; maternal stepfather, 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.

The funeral liturgy will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Botkins. Father John Tonkin will officiate and burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends may visit from 2-8 p.m., Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Wapakoneta. You can make donations to the family which will be used for the future education of his children.