William Robert Barnett, July 3, 1922-Jan. 19, 2014. "Well done, thy good and faithful servant — enter into the joy of the Lord." Matthew 25:21. Bill Bob Barnett was born on Tittle's Ranch in Collingsworth County, Texas, the seventh child of Robert Bascomb and Cordelia Martin Barnett. Due to his disrupted early education, he developed a special empathy for children who face challenges in school. Bill graduated from high school in Odessa, Texas, in 1940. He continued his education at Southwestern Institute of Technology, Weatherford, Okla., where he met Edith Patterson, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. It also was at this time that Bill made the decision to accept Jesus as his Savior and live his life by biblical principles. In 1943, Bill obtained an official birth certificate which changed his name to William Robert. After attending the U.S. Naval Academy for one year, he served on active duty in the Navy for two years. Bill then graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in 1947 and a master's degree in 1949. Bill and Edith married in 1945, and both taught school in several small Oklahoma towns until they moved with their two daughters to Pueblo in 1953. A son was born in 1954. Bill taught in School District 60 beginning at the historic Hinsdale Elementary. He served as principal there for many years as well as at Riverside, Belle Plain, Haaff and South Park Elementary. He took great pleasure in his career and made many lasting friendships with colleagues and students. During his career, he was active in several educational associations and Lions Club International. In retirement, Bill fulfilled his lifelong dream of ranching. He and Edith moved to Tahlequah, Okla., in 1984, where he raised cattle on his Anchor Oaks Ranch for nine happy years. After returning to Pueblo, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. During the course of his life, Bill lived out Joshua 24:15, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." He and Edith were active in Baptist churches wherever they lived. He was a gentle man, humble, well-spoken, principled, a man of integrity, loyal to his faith and his family. Bill will be remembered for his sparkling blue eyes, his quick wit and dry sense of humor, his passion for education and his love for children. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and two sisters; wife, Edith; and son, Pat. He leaves to celebrate his life and legacy, daughters, Neta Sue (Dennis) Shearer, Virginia (Randy) Gunther; daughter-in-law, Becky (Steve) Hahn; grandchildren, Mandy (Larry) Anderson, Becky (Frank) Cortese, Beki (Chris) Harding, Rob (Ann) Gunther, Brian and David Barnett; great-grandchildren, Kylie and Jason Anderson, Caden, Brayden and Aden Harding, Ava and A.J. Cortese and Roman Gunther; also numerous dear nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill's memory to Habitat for Humanity International, P.O. Box 449, Americus, GA 31709-8908, or to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 2178, Pueblo, CO 81004. Bill's family owes a debt of gratitude to the entire staff of the Chateau at Sharmar, who lovingly and respectfully cared for him for six years and most especially to those caregivers in the Memory Unit. We also appreciate the care given by Sangre de Cristo Hospice in Bill's last days. A celebration of his life and home going will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, at Aberdeen Baptist Church, 301 Cleveland St. Online condolences at www.tgmccarthy.com Arrangements by T.G. McCarthy Funeral Home. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 - Pueblo Chieftain Wed Jan 22 2014