Mr. Barnett, a longtime Osawatomie businessman, died Saturday Nov. 7, 1998 in Heritage Manor. He was 85.

He was born May 19, 1913 in Wellsville and his parents were Benjamin Franklin and Ruby Estella Dorsey Barnett. The family moved to Osawatomie when he was a small child. He grew up in Osawatomie, attended local schools and was a 1932 graduate of Osawatomie High School.

After his graduation he joined his father and his brother, Leo Barnett, in the family buiness, Barnett and Sons -- a business which was founded by his father in 1924. He worked there as a bookkeeper until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 to serve during World War II.

After his discharge in 1946, he returned to Osawatomie and continued to work in the family business. He spent his entire working career on Main Street. The store became a third-generation business when it was sold to his niece and her husband in 1986. He retired the same year with 54 years in the plumbing and heating business.

He and Verna Lynne Frazier Akin were married May 7, 1938 in the Methodist parsonage in Osawatomie. They became the parents of two children.

Mr. Barnett was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Osawatomie.

Among those preceding him in death were his brother, Leo Barnett, and two sisters, Velma Krumsick and Maxine Everhart.

Survivors include his wife, Verna Lynne, of the home; a sister, Rosalie Bussell, Osawatomie; a daughter, Sharon Burgoon, Osawatomie; a son, Burk Barnett, Osawatomie; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The Rev. Larry Buss conducted the services. Darrell Peckman sang, accompanied by Lois Bisig, organist. Pallbearers were Tadd Barnett, Chris Barnett, Tom Burgoon, Brad Burgoon, Lloyd Barnett and David Dennis. Military services were held at the graveside in Osawatomie Cemetery.

A memorial is established in his name to the church.