Neil Lane Barnett
Evansville, Ind.
Neil Lane Barnett, 57, of Evansville, passed away October 18, 2012, at home after a two year struggle with cancer, with his loving family present. Neil was born December 8, 1954, to Carl and Dorothy Barnett.
Neil graduated from Boonville High School in 1972 and University of Evansville with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Kentucky Wesleyan College. He was a member of the TKE Fraternity at UE. He taught six years at Tennyson Elementary School before pursuing a career in construction. He was owner and operator of Ash Iron Construction, Inc.
At an early age, Neil was very active as a member of Baker Chapel United Methodist Church in Degonia Springs, Ind., where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Teacher, and Trustee. Currently, he was a member of Blue Grass United Methodist Church in Evansville where he served on the board of Trustees and was very active in planning and construction of the new church being built.
Neil became a Boy Scout at the age of 12. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1972. Neil was a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. He has led three troops as Scoutmaster including Troop 151 in Tennyson, Troop 161 in Boonville and currently Troop 350 in Evansville. He has led 48 boys through the pursuit of Eagle Scout. He received the Silver Beaver Award in 1989 for outstanding service to the local Council. This prestigious award is the highest award a Council can bestow upon a volunteer. Neil was an excellent example of what it means to live the Scout Oath and Law. He was also a lifetime member of the NRA.
A giant, gentle, loving, bear of a man, Neil was loved by many people, has had a positive effect on many lives and never met a stranger. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Neil is survived by his wife of 15 years, Crystal Reed, MD.; daughters, Melissa Cunningham (Drue), of Salado, Texas, Erica DeJong (Bryce), of Evansville; twins, Alexis and Grant Barnett, at home; grandsons, Kaidon DeJong and Bryson DeJong; parents, Carl and Dorothy Barnett, of Boonville; brothers, Glenn Barnett (Kelly) and Steven Barnett, MD (Kristi), of Boonville; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
Services will be 10 a.m. Monday, October 22, 2012, at Blue Grass United Methodist Church, 14240 Petersburg Road, Evansville, officiated by Pastor Doug Heiman, with burial in Maple Grove Cemetery in Boonville. Friends may visit Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Alexander North Chapel, 4200 Stringtown Road, and Monday from 9 a.m. until service time at the church.
The family would like to thank Dr. Dan Shirey, Dr. Jim Maserejian, Dr. Jon Frazier and Vista Care Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care.
Memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Buffalo Trace Council Troop 350, Vanderburgh Humane Society or Blue Grass United Methodist Church. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by anonymous.
Thank you Tig.He spoke of you and really valued your friendship. We miss him every day.
Crystal
Crystal Barnett
November 26, 2013
My name is Tig, today I found a picture of Neil when we worked together at concrete pavers. I have great memories working during the week then on weekends on a home addition project I had going on at my home. Neil was nothing short of what we call good people. Neil was more like great people. As I searched. To reconnect with him I stumbled upon this obit and am deeply saddened. I'm sure he is missed my many and my prayers although delayed go out to his family.
Tig Whitfill
November 24, 2013
I had not seen nor talked to Neil in some time. He will be missed by all that knew him. My deepest condolences.
Ralph Harris
December 3, 2012
sorry to his family. i was one of his students back in tennyson. he will be sadly missed. he was a great teacher and a great person. i dont dont believed he ever forgot one of his students or friends
mike hill
November 16, 2012
Working side by side with Neil and his Dad Carl in 2006 during the New York Says Thank You Baker Chapel build was a wonderful and unforgettable experience for me. Neil gave me a pocket knife and Carl gave me an Indiana ball cap to take back home to New Jersey. Still use and cherish both gifts from these two great men. My condolences to Carl and the family.
Tony Iulo
November 7, 2012
Mine and my family's condolences to the Barnett family. I knew Neil for many years and he was a good man. I'll miss the Knob Creek campouts, just won't be the same without ya.
Martin York
October 23, 2012
I have known Neil for many years. We would occasionally shoot together and meet each other at local gun shows. Neil, I'll always think of those times at shows when we were both looking for that certain firearm or the times when our kids were at the range together. You will sorely be missed in the collecting community. I know I miss your wisdom and laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Peter Tullis
October 22, 2012
So sorry to hear about Neil. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Neil was my big brother in TKE at UE and I will always remember him.
Frank Shoener
October 22, 2012
Hello. I have known Niel only through our association on the Parallax Bill web forum site. But even through that distant medium Niel always impressed me with his knowledge and demeanor. I and my family offer our condolences to his.
Jim Golub, Wife Jill Ann and sons, James, Ben & Joe
Jim Golub
October 22, 2012
Our condolences go out for the Barnett family. We are all blessed to have known Neil.
FOP PAL Camp
Lodge 73
October 22, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Barnett family as you mourn the loss of a special man, Neil. As longtime family friends when we lived in Degonia Springs and worshiped together at Baker Chapel UMC (and after we moved away), we share your loss. I taught with Neil at Tennyson Elementary and saw how he cared about and encouraged his students in so many ways. Spending time with his family and leading Boy Scouts was also important to Neil. We thank God for times and memories shared. May the Lord comfort you and keep you in His care, providing for all your needs now and always. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Ps. 36:1)
Love & prayers,
John & Judy Mayer
October 21, 2012
I am so sadden by your lost. Our prayers to you , family and friends. Tho , I have not known Mr. Barnett personally, I however do know Dr. Steven Barnett. My heart goes out to you all. From the pictures to the lovely writing of a man well loved , you have truely known a good man who has touch many people and their lives. May God be with you during this time. Prayers, Gentle Hugs, Lori Briggs.
Lori Briggs
October 21, 2012
The light that was Neil Barnett, may not be seen by his earthly family and friends, but, it shines brightly in Heaven for all to see... Neil was a remarkable man. He touched many lives with his kindness and gentle heart. His loss is truly felt deeply by all of us who knew him. Rest in Peace dear friend... You are now one of the angels... The Martins - Dorothy, Ed (and family) and Doug (and family)
Dorothy Martin
October 21, 2012
Neil: Whenever we visited Boonville you took us around to all of the historical sites. You loved showing off the Lincoln history of Indiana. We love the two granddaughters, Melissa and Erica that you and Kim gave us. Thank you for them. Frances and Chuck Welling
October 21, 2012
To the entire Barnett family, you are all in our prayers and have our love and deepest sympathy. Neil was a great friend and role model to all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Our hearts cry with yours and share in your grief, sincerely ... Larrie and Cheryl Hurst and family
Cheryl and Larrie Hurst
October 21, 2012
Neil, you were a great man, who achieved alot in his short life. GOD had a reason to call you home and take you away from your young and loving family. You will be greatly missed. R.I.P. Neil.
Bobbie Scott
October 21, 2012
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
With Love,
Dale, Jamie, Jillian and Harrison Hubregs
Jamie Hubregs
October 21, 2012
OMG! My deepest Condolences Crystal Alexis & Grant..Neil has gone but he will never ever be forgotten...Wish i could have been there for u at this time of need, u will all be in my prayers..tc Love u BFF Anna XxOo
Anna Romig
October 20, 2012
To the Barnett family,
It is with great sadness to hear of Neil's death. He is now an angel in heaven and out of pain and suffering. Courage I would like to will to you all. Praying for you the strength to go on with all your great memories of a wonderful person.
Vickie Fortune
October 20, 2012
Alexis and Grant,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Even though your dad and I were separated by a few years at Boonville High School I really only got to know him after I met you at Oak Hill. We became friends on Facebook and often discussed Boonville folklore and you. I know he was so very proud of both of you. Moving forward, I hope you keep that knowledge in your hearts.
Mr. Spradley
Steve Spradley
October 20, 2012
Our deepest sympathy. he will be missed greatly.
John&Cora Charlton
October 20, 2012
So very sad for all of the Barnett family during this time of sorrow.
Neil may have left this earth, but he will forever be in your hearts and memories.....prayers for you all.
Marie Boyer
October 20, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about Neil. He was a great man, father, and cousin. He will be missed. I had know idea he had cancer. Again Sorry for everyone loss.Everyone of you and family are in my prayers
LaDonna Bowman (Borman)
October 20, 2012
Neil, you were my teacher at Tennyson elementary and my coach for several sports. You taught me what it means to have character, and those lessons now some 30 years ago have stayed with me all through my life. They had a direct effect on me, and helped me become the person I am today. I owe you a debt of gratitude.
Thank you.
Kenny Harris
October 20, 2012
I am so thankful for the blessing of having Neil teach us all those Bible lessons in the CIC (class in the corner) when I was a teen at Baker Chapel. The lessons, as the example he lived, continue to impact my life today!
Kari (Mayer) Waltz
October 20, 2012
I pray that Jesus sends his comfort to your family. I met Neil through ParallaxBill's collectors forum, and spent some very enjoyable days with him at Knob Creek and NGD in Louisville. He was one-of-a-kind and I cannot begin to comprehend your loss.
.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
.
John Boyd (Beanstrung)
October 20, 2012
I looked forward to seeing Neil a couple of times a year when he came to the Louisville area. He would set up his grill and cook for about 15 of us as we would tail gate at Knob Creek. Our hearts and prayers are with the family..he will be missed. Coneten
Wayne Ferguson
October 20, 2012
I met Neil on a bear hunting trip several years ago fo the first time. I knew then that he was a special person. Although we were great friends for a few short years...I felt like we had been friends for at least 20 years.
You will be sorely missed!! Jim Spence
October 20, 2012
I'm so very sorry for your Family's loss. Neil was a fine man and I will miss him greatly. I pray God will give you all strength and Neils memory will light your way.
Bob Sonne
October 20, 2012
Deepest sympathy. You are all in our prayers.
Alisha Aman
October 20, 2012
Dear Crystal,Grant and Alexis,
I am very sorry for your loss, I do know what you are going thru and hope I may be of some help, just call.
Crystal you and Neil have become great friends and we have shared a lot, I'm so glad I had a nice visit with you on Sunday. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, but I hope our two special guys are walking and talking with the Lord.
Love and God Bless
Judy Gates
October 20, 2012
So sorry for your loss, but so glad that Neil's suffering is over. Neil was my Sunday school teacher in middle school or high school, a job probably no one else wanted. :) He touched so many lives and will be missed. My prayers are with the whole Barnett family.
Beth Rountree
October 20, 2012
Sorry to hear about Neils passing. Barbara and Eugene Reynolds
October 20, 2012
My heart goes out to all of you..I lost track of Neil, but I know he was a wonderful man. I'm so sorry for your great loss..
Carolyn Vollman
Carolyn Vollman
October 20, 2012
Dear Barnett Family,
Our sincere sympathy to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time. Neil was a wonderful friend and neighbor. Most of all he set a great example. He will be missed.
The Marksbury Family
Barbara Marksbury
October 20, 2012
So sorry for your loss.
Ben and Florence.
October 20, 2012
Dr.Barnett, Mr.& Mrs.Barnett We are so sorry for the loss of your love one. May God help you all through this difficult time.
Roy Gene & Shirley McDaniel
October 20, 2012
Neil as one of your Eagles i will never forget you. To the Barnett family I am sorry for your loss of a wonderful man.
chris Mushrush
chris mushrush
October 20, 2012
Neil, my friend I can't begin to count the ways I will miss you! Just about everything in life I count as important have been influenced in someway by something you said or did. That deep baritone voice over the phone had answers I never would have thought of without your council. I enjoyed your company way too few times over the years it seems but I knew you were there for me if needed. Your answers to my questions always seemed to be specially engineered for me alone yet I knew you would give the same council to anyone who asked because that was your way.
I will miss you a lot at times when I need help and council but I know that ache and feeling will be all the time for your great friendship will be missing too. I thank the Lord for every minute of the time you freely gave to me and others. I pray the Lord knows what a talent he has taken from earth and uses you great spirit and abilities for the erichment of his kingdom not on earth.
He got a great guy who I miss greatly but his will is what is important. I know the great family you left behind will continue to make you proud Neil as you look down and see their great achievments in life. Bill
Bill Zaspel
October 20, 2012
I had not seen Neil for some time and am truly shocked to learn of his passing. I had the privilege of getting to know him over the last several years and always got a warm wonderful feeling talking to him. I'm so sorry for the Barnett family's loss. Please know that his passing is also the community's loss.
Mike Goedde
October 20, 2012
Neil, my friend, you will be sorely missed.
Your insight and outlook on life helped me many times. Of that I am grateful.
The love for your family and pride in what they've done was always apparent in the conversations we've shared over the years.
Your patience, willingness to help others and even-handed manner in all matters are some of the qualities that all good men should strive to achive.
You've left such a positive mark on so many people.
It has been an honor to know you.
I am so sorry that you've gone and will miss you.
Chuck
Chuck Newman
October 19, 2012
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