Donald enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially in his retirement. He was a gun enthusiast, a member of the National Rifle Association and always loved to show his wife "her" new gun. He loved spending time at the farm in Hampton and was known to be an avid snake killer. He was outgoing, loved being around people and loved to be a little on the mischievous side. Something that he loved more than outdoor sports and sharing his views on politics, was his family. "Pops" as he was so lovingly called absolutely loved his family. When asked how he was doing, he always answered "terribly well." He let you interpret that however you saw fit. Even towards the end of his life, he always wanted to share a laugh or share a funny sentiment like "being finer than frog hair split three ways."
Pops was a hard worker and believed in having a strong work ethic. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1963. He received his Arkansas State Board of Embalming and Funeral Directing license in 1972 and he received his State of Arkansas Insurance Department Agents license in 1976. He retired from Selected Funeral and Life Insurance as Executive Vice President after 32 years of service. He worked his way up from insurance salesman and was named insurance salesman of the year many times. Before selling insurance, he was a Funeral Home Director for Stephenson Dearman Funeral Home. He always called his insurance and funeral home coworkers his second family. He also owned Barnett Trucking Company and at one time was a police officer for the Drew County Sheriff's Department.
Pops loved the Lord and was a member of Rose Hill Freewill Baptist Church where he attended with his family.
Donald is preceded in death by one son, Tommy Barnett (Conway); two sisters, Louise Russell (Monticello) and Nadean Crawford (Jacksonville) and his parents.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Linda Duncan Barnett (Monticello); his children Chris Barnett and his wife Darla (Monticello), Stephen Barnett and his wife Angela (Monticello), and Amye Barnett (Fayetteville); his granddaughters Maggie Barnett (Monticello), Rachel Barnett (Monticello), Layne Barnett (Monticello) and Nina Stephenson (Fayetteville); his great grandson Salem (Fayetteville); his sisters Kay Ozment and husband David (Monticello) and Reba Howell (Benton) and a host of nieces, nephews, church family, loved ones and two fur babies, Sam and Ellie.
Condolences(8)
John & Paige (Hill) Stell
MONTICELLO, AR Monday, June 14, 2021 You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We pray God gives you peace and comfort.Love,
John, Paige, Jayson, Colt, Brayden, Jake, Jared, & Brad
Randall Ballard
Hot springs, AR Monday, June 14, 2021 On behalf of Selected Funeral & Life Insurance Company, let me send our deep sympathies to Linda and the family. For those of us who worked with him those many years, Don had a special place among our home office team. There was no one quite like him and we will miss him! Your Friends at SFLICJanice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Monday, June 14, 2021 Linda & family,So sorry to read about Don. He was a great friend and touched so many lives. I know he will be missed. I lift you all up in prayer at this sad time. May God give you peace and comfort. Love, Janice
Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Sunday, June 13, 2021 Deepest sympathy to the family. I met Donald when he worked for Stephenson's Funeral Home. He was very good at his job. RIP.Peggy Baggenstoss
Fordyce, AR Saturday, June 12, 2021 Linda and family,I always enjoyed visiting with Don. I remember his cheerfulness never complaining.
May you all feel God’s Peace around you during this time.
Sorry I can’t be with you but I’ll see you soon.
Love,
Peggy
Gloria Ryburn
Monticello, AR Saturday, June 12, 2021 Linda and all family members , I. Am. So sorry, but y’all know he is no longer suffering, and I know you will miss him soo much as we will also at Church. Love and prayers for allJohn M Bradley
Sun City West, AZ Saturday, June 12, 2021 So sorry to see you go; RIP my old friend and classmate. You will be missed. Peace be with your family.Penne Orr
Bismarck, AR Saturday, June 12, 2021 Don was special! Thinking of you Linda.