Noel “Ben” Barnett passed away Wednesday February 19, 2014 around 11 PM in Springfield, Missouri. Ben was born June 28, 1934 in Roscoe, Missouri to Lytle and Orpha (Henderson) Barnett.
He graduated from Roscoe High School and attended the University of Central Missouri. In August of 1954 Ben married Peggy Gist following high school and from that union two children were born, Tadd and Mia.
Ben was engaged in many activities during his life. One of his first jobs was running a rural postal route for a few years while operating all the farm equipment on a large farm. Ben learned all about the hardware, plumbing and appliance business from his father-in-law, Floyd Gist. Several more years were spent at Minter’s Western Auto in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Later he moved to Springfield, Missouri and worked for Harry Cooper Supply 32 years. Most of those years were spent in the Electrical Quotations Department where many customers depended on his advice and estimates on construction projects.
Ben married Sharon Steele on October 26, 1988. They had over 25 great years together, enjoying traveling, crappie fishing, wood working, working with stained glass among many other things.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law, Jimmie Coleman and his niece Jo Coleman.
Ben is survived by his wife Sharon, of the home; his son, Tadd Barnett and Dee; his daughter Mia and Tom Carlew; step-daughters, Sheryl and John Thomas and Debby and Russell McNeley; grandchildren, Joshua, Jacob, Hannah, Jessica and Cameo; 3 great-grandchildren; his brother, Derl Barnett; sister, Wanda Coleman and many nieces, nephews and many friends.
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