Everette Eugene “Gene” Barnett of Benton, KY, passed away March 9, 2016 at Lakeway Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was a retired construction manager for C.F. Braun & Company, Santa Fe International & Monenco, of Canada for 32 years. He served on projects in the U.S., Canada, Kuwait, and a short time in Argentina.
He served in the US Air Force in Denver, CO during the Korean War period until he became ill and was retired after a year of hospitalization.
He was married to Mary Lou Jones Barnett on October 10, 1953 for 62 years and 4 months. She passed away February 27, 2015.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton, KY where he served as Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the Trustees and sang in the choir. He was a 50 year member of the Hardin-Berkly Masonic Lodge and a 65 year member of local 816 of the IBEW in Paducah, KY.
He is survived by sons, Donald E. Barnett and David W. Barnett, brother Bobby D. Barnett of Hardin, KY, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira Wilma “I.W.” Barnett and Avice Henderson Barnett and a brother, Earl W. Barnett.
Arrangements will be handled by Collier Funeral Home of Benton.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2016 in the chapel of the Collier Funeral Home, Bro. David Russell and Bro. Mark Stephens will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Murray Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 11, 2016 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Collier Funeral Home.
Expressions of Sympathy may be given to the First United Methodist (new) Church Building Fund, or the Helping Hands Food Pantry c/o First United Methodist Church, 845 US Highway 641 South, Benton, KY 42025.