January 20, 2022

Linn County News

Published Jan. 26, 2022

Melvin Leroy Barnett, 77, passed away Jan. 19, 2022, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kan. He was born June 14, 1944, in Paola, Kan., to Marion B. and Phoebe E. (McCarty) Barnett.

Melvin was a 1962 graduate of Parker Rural High School, Parker, Kan. He received a bachelor’s degree in 1968, and a Master Degree in Education in 1984, both from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kan. Melvin taught and coached in various public middle schools and high schools throughout Kansas, and was also an ordained minister. He was a member of the Hutchinson Sons of American Legion, and the Hutchinson Breakfast Lions Club, serving as Past District Governor. Melvin also was a member of The Father’s House, Hutchinson.

He enjoyed trains, reading Western books and novels, and was an avid John Wayne fan. Melvin never met a stranger. He held various titles throughout his career, such as teacher, coach, and administrator, but his most cherished titles were son, husband, father, grandfather, soon to be great-grandfather, brother, and friend.

On Dec. 29, 1961, Melvin married Elizabeth Ann Prentice, in Mound City, Kan. They shared over 60 years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Barnett of Hutchinson; children, Debi (fiancé, Kirk Kinast) Barnett of Hutchinson, Becky Barnett of St. Petersburg, Fla., Mark Barnett of Hutchinson, Marty (April) Barnett of Owasso, Okla., and Matthew (Camille) Barnett of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Aron Kirkendoll, Haley (Shayne) Rose, Isaac Barnett, Phoebe Barnett, Elisha Barnett, Thomas Barnett, Belle Barnett, Calvin Barnett, Samuel Barnett, Leila Barnett, and Elsie Mae Barnett; great-granddaughter (due in February); and brother-in-law, John Polley of Parker, Kan.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Connie Polley.

Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Lions Club International or Phoenix Home Care and Hospice, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, Kan. 67501.