J. "Jay Bird" Barnett (Lebanon)'s Obituary
James Earl “Jay Bird” Barnett, son of Leslie and Dora L. Mizer Barnett, was born March 13, 1958, in Lebanon, Missouri. He went home to be with Jesus, Saturday, January 20, 2013, in the arms of his wife and daughter, at the age of fifty-four years, ten months, and seven days.
On December 21, 1974, he was united in marriage to Cathy Faye Massey, and to this union a daughter and a son were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, James Earl Barnett; a brother, Tommy Barnett; a half-brother, Tom Marcum; a nephew, Travis Barnett; a great-niece, Tressie Fincher; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Oris and Faye Massey.
Jay is survived by his loving wife of thirty-eight special years, Cathy, of the home; a daughter, Hollie Johnson, and her husband, Travis, of Lebanon, Missouri; two very special grandsons, Trevor and Trenton Johnson; two brothers, Leslie Barnett, of Grovespring, Missouri, and Ricky Barnett, and his wife, Debbie, of Falcon, Missouri; three sisters, Ellen Hopkins, and her husband, Jack, Teresa Star, all of Lebanon, Missouri, and Vicky Moffett, and her husband, Jess, of Claremore, Oklahoma; a number of nieces and nephews; several cousins; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He lived his entire life in Lebanon, Missouri. Due to health reasons, Jay recently retired after thirty years of service with the City of Lebanon. He was a devoted lineman for the electrical department and put his heart and soul into his job. The friendships that he made at the City will never be forgotten. From working an ice storm, a hurricane, or just a normal shut off, he always went above and beyond the call of duty.
Jay had established his own personal relationship with his Lord and Savior. He truly enjoyed going to church with his grandchildren.
In his spare time he enjoyed drawing, hunting, fishing, camping, and taking long rides in the country. He was happiest when he had his family with him.
Jay was a loving and caring husband, the best Daddy that a girl could ask for, and a Pa who loved his boys with all his heart. He was a beloved brother, uncle, and friend. We celebrate his life and cherish the memories that he created for each and every one of us. He will live on in our hearts forever.
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