Cecil Barnett

Cecil Benton Barnett completed his earthly journey and joined his beloved Savior in heaven on Jan. 13, 2010. He began life on Oct. 11, 1925, in Minden, La., the son of Andrew Lacy and Eunice Newton Barnett. Upon graduation from Minden High School in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Construction Battalions Reserve. One year later, he was wounded by an exploding land mine in Potzuoli, Italy, an event that left him a paraplegic for the remainder of his life. Cecil was undaunted by his paralysis, and after his military discharge enrolled in Hardin Simmons University. There he earned a bachelor's degree in music education and education administration, and he also discovered "the most beautiful girl in the world," Maxine Ballard. Maxine became his wife in 1948. In 1952, they moved to Camas Valley, where Cecil worked as a seventh-grade teacher, and in 1955, the family relocated to Oakland, where he worked as an elementary principal and then superintendent of schools. He entered into medical retirement in 1964 and moved to Corvallis. Cecil returned to work from 1970 to 1984, serving as the director of motor vehicle transportation at Oregon State University. Cecil enjoyed many hobbies. He earned a private pilot's license in 1946; he held an extra class license as an amateur radio operator; he took great pleasure in skeet shooting - especially in the company of his children and grandchildren; and he was passionate about studying the Bible, particularly prophecy. The Barnetts were blessed with four children. Son Dwight lives in Smyrna, Tenn., with his wife, Joni. Their children are Nathan and Evan. Evan and his wife, Linda, gave the Barnetts a great-grandson, Levi. Their second child, Patrick, lives in Longmeadow, Mass., with his wife, Barbara, and their two sons, Michael and Stephen. Daughter Dianne and her husband, David Doede, live in Trout Lake. Their daughter, Clara, and husband, Ian Swope, have given the Barnetts two great-grandchildren, Titus and Gwen. Dianne's family also includes Alec and his wife, Lacey, and Greta and her husband, Brandon Honcoop. Cecil is now most certainly delighted to be reunited with daughter Linda, who preceded him in death in 1983. Family and friends will remember Cecil with services to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at McHenry Funeral Home.

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Cecil Barnett

October 11, 1925 - January 13, 2010