Gerald Barnett

Gerald Barnett, born March 30, 1948, in Abilene, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on January 28, 2026.

Gerald was a 1966 graduate of Hamlin High School. A man of deep faith, he was baptized in 1962 at First Baptist Church in Sudan, Texas. He was deeply rooted in his community and lived a life defined by service, integrity, and dedication. He began his career in construction, where he quickly earned a reputation for expertise and leadership. Something he talked about often was his work as a meat inspector with the State of Texas and his greatest construction project and ranch manager of Spanish Oaks Ranch, Dudley, Texas. He later served as Director of Public Works for the City of Hamlin. For the past 32 years, Gerald was a valued member of OJD Engineering, where he specialized in construction inspection, project design, and drafting. Throughout his professional life, he was known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to doing things the right way.

Family was the heart of Gerald’s life. He was a loving husband to Patrica Smith Barnett, with whom he shared 34 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised four children. Gerald took great joy in his grandchildren and was a familiar face at their games, activities, and milestones, always cheering them on with pride.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Ethel L. King Barnett.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Patrica Barnett of Hamlin; their children Brandy Mikkelsen of  Springlake, Michigan, Scott Mueller and wife Trac of Fort Worth, Nakia Hambright and husband Steve of Fort Davis, and Mark Mueller and wife Tiffany of Stamford; his grandchildren Alex Barrera and husband John, Haley Mueller, Gage Christensen, Neya Monroe, Naji Monroe, Mason Mueller, Ava Monroe, Madalyn Mueller, Lennox Mueller, and Shy Mueller; and his great-grandchildren Alaina, Manolo, Liam, Noah & Leo Barrera and Riggs Jimenez. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Martha Boyd of Granbury, niece Angela Boyd; great-nieces Ashli Denton and husband Robby and Rylee Sparks; great nephew Blake Watson; great great niece and nephew Tripp and Wrenli; and numerous cousins.

In his younger years, Gerald enjoyed rodeoing and embracing life with a sense of adventure that stayed with him throughout his years. He will be remembered for his love of family, devotion to his community, strong faith, and the positive impact he made on all who knew him.

He was an avid golfer and deeply invested in the local golf course, believing it to be an important community asset. Gerald served 21 years with the Hamlin Volunteer Fire Department, was the chief for several years and taught ladder safety at Texas A&M Fire School. He served as both director and president of the Hamlin Golf Course Board and also served as president of the Hamlin Cemetery Association, further reflecting his dedication to preserving and improving the places that mattered most to his community.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Adams-Foster-Ray Funeral Home in Hamlin, Texas. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Hamlin, followed by burial at Hamlin Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hamlin Golf Course or Hendrick Hospice Care.