Robert Lee Barnett

Robert Lee Barnett “Bob”, 88, of rural Edna, KS passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Freeman Hospital, Joplin, MO. His death was unexpected. 

He was born Sept 26, 1936 to William Green Barnett and Mary Madeline Johnson-Barnett. Bob grew up South of Altamont, KS and graduated from Labette County Community High School in 1954. Bob worked for Moore/Compton Farms during his teen years. Bob watched 13-year-old Patty Waugh run in a track meet at Altamont, and knew she was the girl for him. They married August 20, 1956 and modeled a marriage of true love for 68 years. He carried a picture of her at 13 years old and would pull his billfold out to brag and show complete strangers Patty’s picture and tell them their story. He was a proud and devoted husband, dad, Grandpa, Uncle, brother and Grandpa Great. 

Bob served in the Army National Guard for 6 years. He worked for Jensen Brothers in Coffeyville for 8 years and then worked for Pressure Cast Products as maintenance foreman for 39 years. 

Bob was ambitious, spunky, hardworking, and the “go to” guy for any job. He was a neighbor that loved helping neighbors and others. Bob was a hunter and sportsman. He played basketball until he was 70 years old, and was in a deer stand on the date of his death. 

Bob was a member of the Bartlett Christian Church. 

Survivors are his wife Patty Barnett, his children Juan Barnett and his wife Karen of rural Altamont, and Vikki Traxson and her husband Tim of rural Edna; 6 grandchildren, Micah Barnett and his wife Katie, Mathew Barnett and his wife Amber, Nathan Barnett, Katie Macias and her husband Daniel, Cole Traxson and his wife Carrie, and Luke Traxson and his wife Reid; great grandchildren, Emma Grace Barnett, Brentley Kade and Braelyn McKenna Barnett, Charleigh Rae Barnett, Mesa Kate and Silas Jeremiah Traxson. A brother, Frankie Barnett and sister Shirley McCormick and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Mary Barnett; brothers Gerry, Richard “Dick”, Billie; and a sister Betty “Sis” McCartney. 

The celebration of Life will be held at the Bartlett Christian Church, Bartlett, KS, Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. under the direction of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel of Coffeyville.  Bob will be laid to rest in North Edna Cemetery north of Edna on 101 Hwy. The family suggests memorials to the St. Jude’s’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left in care of the chapel.  To leave a message of condolence or share a memory visit https://www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com/obituaries/robert-barnett