Kenneth Barnett

Kenneth Wayne Barnett

Entered this life - Arapaho OK 11-39

Graduated to his eternal home - Mansfield, TX 1-20-21

Preceded in death by - John & Vera Barnett (Parents), Jack Barnett (Brother)

Survived by wife of 59 years Bertha Barnett, JL Barnett, Ruby (Dean) Ivey, Keith(Karen) Barnett, Karol (Marty) Smith, Kyle (Karyn) Barnett, Kelly (Chrystal) Barnett, Kelvin (Anita) Barnett, Kenric (Ella) Barnett, Grandkids (20) - Blake, MeKayla, Clay, Taylor, Lindsay, Amber, Ashley, Alisha, Jennifer, Jason, Megan, Kade, Kaylee, Cole, Cason, Tyler, Taylor, Naomi, Maddison, Camri.  Great Grandkids (12)- Ryker, Raylan, Chance, Aubrie, Barron, Atlas, Jameson, Jonathan, Milo, Adeline, Lee, Maylee and many Nieces and Nephews.

Obituary

Kenneth Wayne Barnett was born November 13, 1939, in Arapho, Oklahoma, to John and Vera Barnett.  Kenneth grew up in Levelland, TX.  He graduated from levelland High School in 1958.  He then earned a degree from West Texas State where he attended on with a golf scholarship, followed by a Master’s Degree from East Texas State.  His occupation seemed to always involve investing in the lives of young people. He was a teacher, coach, and driver’s education instructor.

In May of 1961 he married the love of his life Bertha Strickland.  They had 6 children (5 boys, 1 girl) who quickly became the focus of his life, instilling character qualities into each of them that he had found of great value through his childhood and coaching/teaching career.

His first teaching & coaching job was in Smyer, TX then they moved to Mansfield, TX in July of 1969 where he began teaching & coaching for Mansfield School District.  He first started coaching Junior High and soon moved on to coaching High School football, basketball, golf and track.  While coaching he enjoyed teaching his athletes how to become young men of great character and not just athletes.

While coaching at Mansfield High School he attended East Texas State and received his vocational degree.  In 1980 he used that degree and began teaching vocational education at Brewer High School in White Settlement.  In 1996 he retired from teaching but in 2008 he saw an opportunity to once again work with children and serve the district by being a crossing guard for Mansfield ISD until the spring of 2019 when he fully retired.

He spent the remaining time he had enjoying his family, watching his favorite sport golf, attending many many MISD high school sporting events, serving the Lord at Pleasantview Baptist Church, and most of all making all those around him smile and laugh at his one of a kind sense of humor that remained with him until his last days. As a family we are comforted by knowing that through the saving grace of Christ we will be reunited all together once again with him.

The family invites you to celebrate his life with them Saturday January 23rd at Pleasantview Baptist Church in Arlington TX or via online at PBCarlington.org. Visitation is at 3pm service is at 4pm.