William Dickson Barnett Jr. passed from this life while surrounded by his family on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013, during his 81st year. Service: Full military honors will be accorded Chief Master Sgt. Barnett, USAF, retired, at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation: Family and friends will gather 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in the Great Room at Robertson Mueller Harper. A Fort Worth native, Polytechnic High School graduate and outstanding letterman, he played one year of football at Texas Western University before joining the service during the Korean War. William was born Nov. 17, 1931, the son of William Dickson and Virginia Agnes Mason Barnett. He proudly served in the Air Force for 30 years, retiring in 1979 as a chief master sergeant. Known to his family, friends and fellow servicemen as "Barney" or "Dick," he served in the Korean War and two tours in Vietnam. After retiring from the USAF, Barney went to work at General Dynamics (Lockheed Martin) in Fort Worth for 15 years before retiring as a manager. Honor, duty and family were steadfast character traits in a life served with great distinction. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Sons of Confederate Veterans. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 52 years, Loretta; and daughter, Dannett Barnett. Survivors: In addition to his children, Kirt and April Barnett, Valerie and David Underwood, and Tracy Barnett and her fiance, Mike Wills, Barney is survived by his grandsons, Tyler and Grant Underwood and Mason Barnett; granddaughters, Heidi, Kaley and Sophia Barnett; brother, Jack Barnett; sister, Elizabeth Baines; nieces and nephews and their families; and a grateful nation.
Published in Star-Telegram on September 8, 2013