THOMAS BARNETT

1937 - 2020

Thomas E. Barnett
April 28, 1935 - November 22, 2020

OKLAHOMA CITY
Thomas Edwin "Tom" Barnett, 85, of Oklahoma City, passed away on November 22, 2020, at Mercy Hospital due to complications resulting from COVID-19.
A native of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Tom was a 1953 graduate of Shawnee High School and went on to graduate from Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Employment with General Electric brought him to Decatur, Illinois, where he furthered his lifetime love of music, becoming proficient in both piano and drums. This led to numerous performances with several Jazz groups in Decatur, St. Louis, and Oklahoma City, including sessions with legendary saxophone great, Boots Randolph.
Tom joined the United States Marine Corps in the 1960s, fulfilling his service duties in Camp Pendleton, California. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Oklahoma, and started a position in the warehouse at Oilfield Specialty Distributers, Inc. (OSD). Working by day and attending classes in the evenings, he received a business degree in 1972 from Oklahoma City University School of Business. Working his way through the ranks, Tom dedicated himself to learning all facets of the operations of OSD and over time, his broad knowledge and dedication to excellent service elevated him to becoming the owner and CEO of the company.
Along with those accomplishments, Tom's stellar reputation with customers, vendors, employees and friends will remain among his greatest legacies. His kindness, loyalty and honesty, along with a terrific sense of humor, is warmly remembered by family, friends and colleagues. Tom, affectionately known as "Mr. Oilfield," and described by his closest business associate as "well known for his honesty… his handshake was his word and you could take it to the bank… …rarely lost his temper, always even keel … even in the midst of turmoil … great teacher, great friend, great boss, among the finest men I have ever met."
In addition to his love for jazz music, Tom became an avid OU football fan in the early 1950s while volunteering as an usher at Owen Field, and his love for Sooners football remained throughout his life. Tom's interests included golf, watching PGA tournaments, and grilling. He was especially known for his famous barbequed smoked brisket. In addition, he was a 32nd degree Freemason and a member of the Scottish Rite.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carlice Irions Barnett; and his parents, Corynne & Bodie Barnett; and is survived by his children, Billy Joe Hinchey, Sr. (Patty), Jimmy Carl Hill, and Lisa H. Crye (Harold); grandchildren, Mary Modenessi, Monica Hinchey, Billy Joe Hinchey, Jr., Jason Hill, and Cody Crye; great-grandchildren, Tre Hinchey, Jourdyn Hinchey, Jacob Hill, Bryson Modenessi, Donovan Hinchey, Zayvier Modenessi, and Payton Hinchey; sister, Rosemary Hester; niece, Gayla Hester; nephew, Russ Hester (Amber); great-nephew, Logan Hester; and great-nieces, Elizabeth Hester, Rachel Hester, and Jenna Christian (Cam).
A celebration of Tom's life will be held at a later date when it is once again safe to gather.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oklahoma City Alzheimer's Association, 6601 N. Broadway Ext., Ste. 120, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.