Thomas G Barnett III

Thomas G. Barnett III, 82, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife and three children.
Born on November 5, 1943, to Thomas G. Barnett Jr. and Lois Ducker-Barnett, Tom spent his early years in Charleston, South Carolina, where he attended James Island High School. After relocating to San Diego, California, he graduated from Hoover High School and went on to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree from San Diego State University, where he also played football under Coach Don Coryell.
On June 9, 1963, Tom married the love of his life, Suzanne L. Hahn. Together, Tom and Sue shared more than 62 beautiful years of marriage, building a life centered on family, faith, and community.
Thomas dedicated his entire professional life to education. He began his teaching career at Memorial Junior High School, where he taught for three years before continuing at Kearny High School. Over a remarkable 37-year career, Tom served not only as a wood-shop teacher but also as Athletic Director, head football coach, and wrestling coach. His leadership, mentorship, and steady presence left a lasting impact on generations of students and athletes. He believed deeply in the power of education and in the character built through teamwork and discipline, and he carried those values both on and off the field.
Thomas was instrumental in creating and supporting organizations that uplifted Kearny's students. He was a founding member of the Kearny High School Alumni Association and a regular supporter of the Kearny Community Foundation. In 2011, he was honored as one of the inaugural inductees into the distinguished Kearny Komet Hall of Fame. In 2021, the students and staff—the Komets of today—presented Coach Thomas Barnett with a plaque of recognition for his dedication and contributions to Kearny High School. The plaque is mounted at the entrance to Komet Stadium. The Kearny Alumni Association has also named its annual student scholarship in his honor.
Outside of his career, Tom's greatest joy was his family. He treasured time spent with Sue, their children, and his four grandchildren. He also found peace and happiness sharing his passion for horses with Kearny's special needs students and riding at one of his favorite places in the world, Pillsbury Ranch in Lakeside, California, a place that brought him countless hours of fulfillment and reflection.
Thomas is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne; his children, Sharon, Michael, and Patricia; his son-in-law, Mark Williams; his daughter-in-law, Shannon Barnett; and his cherished grandchildren, Maggie Williams, Genna Williams, Sadie Barnett, and Jack Barnett. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend whose legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.
To recognize Thomas, a 'Celebration of Life' will be held on April 11, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Kearny High School Gymnasium, 1954 Komet Way, San Diego, CA 92111.
Donations in Thomas's honor may be made through the Kearny High Alumni Association at KearnyHighAlumni.org.
Thomas will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Charleston, South Carolina.
Tom's life was defined by dedication—to his family, to his students, and to the community he served so faithfully. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.