of Batesville, AR
June 15, 1956 - April 6, 2014
Robertson Fallis ''Bob'' Barnett, 57, died Saturday, April 5, 2014, at White River Regional Medical Center in Batesville, Arkansas, surrounded by his beloved wife Libby and his family.
Born June 15, 1956, in Batesville, he was the son of James F. Barnett, Sr. and Lois Mae Fallis Barnett. He worked in the farm supply business in Batesville and in Austin, Texas, and later became a licensed practical nurse. He worked at local nursing homes for many years, and from 2006 to 2011, he was the nurse for the Independence County Jail. On March 22, 2014, he married Libby, his love, best friend, and soul mate.
He was an accomplished musician, performing on five-string banjo, guitar, piano, and bass guitar, and he taught banjo lessons for many years. He performed at the Ozark Folk Center and the Mountain View Folk Festival. In his youth, he was a skilled blacksmith, and he competed in regional and national high school rodeos, riding bucking bulls and horses. Between 2000 and 2013, he served as a judge for White River Rodeo events.
He attended Arkansas State University at Beebe and Lyon College in Batesville. An ardent fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, he was known as a raconteur, and he had a deep interest in photography and history.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth ''Libby'' Barnett; his father; a sister, Susan Churchill Barnett Matinchek (Henry) of Batesville; a brother, James F. Barnett, Jr. (Sharon) of Natchez, Mississippi; a niece, Callie Margaret Matinchek; and a nephew, James F. Matinchek; mother-in-law, Georgeanne Bowers Hicks; and brother-in-law, Bill Hicks (Tammy).
He was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents, Thomas and Jimmie Churchill Fallis and Ira Nels and Catharine Robertson Barnett; and a nephew, Thomas Ira Matinchek.
Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2014, at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville.
Memorials may be made to the Batesville High School FFA Club, 1 Pioneer Drive, Batesville, AR 72501
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22 Condolence(s)
Sher
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Goodbye for a While
(Shawn Lane/Cat Town Music, BMI)
V1) My best friend even when it didn't show
You knew that you could ask and I would go anywhere for you
Our time together here has come and gone
I place some of your favorite flowers on a stone
For you
Ch) I recall your smile and kindness you have shown
And how you made any place feel like a home
I was proud to walk with you every mile
So long my friend
Goodbye for a while
V2) Time's supposed to ease the pain we feel
But the memories after years are still so real
Of you
You'll be right here with me until the day
We meet again and I won't ever fail to say
To you
CH) That I sure love your smile and kindness you have shown
And how you make any place feel like a home
And I'll be proud to walk with you every mile
So long my friend
Goodbye for a while
I Love You Always,
Sher
Joline Riley Burrow
Friday, April 11, 2014
In our thoughts and prayers --The Olen A Burrow family
Jan Burrow Qualls
Friday, April 11, 2014
In my thoughts and prayers
Chaney & Leah Taylor
Thursday, April 10, 2014
I practically grew up with Bob from the time we were toddlers. He was a uniquely fine person, very talented in many ways and will be missed. To Libby & the Barnett family: our prayers are with you.
Cheryl McKenzie
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
I just heard the news and I am so, so sorry. Bob was a good friend for many, many years and I always knew I could call on him at any time for anything. My heart is broken for the family and my prayers and thoughts are wilth you.
Teresa Murphy
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Thinking of Bob and his family. Bob was a wonderful friend, and he will be missed.
Andy Prewitt
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
I echo my friend John Wells' feelings about Bobby. I knew him through Dan Murphy, too, and always had wonderful visits with him while in Batesville. He was a good guy and talented, and he will be sorely missed. I hope he is at peace.
Andy Buschmann
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Bob and I played many a chess game while discussing music. He will be missed.
Dan Muprhy
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
I am thankful that I knew Bob. We should all listen to a good tune tomorrow and think of him.
David Baxter
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
I was saddened to hear of Bobby's passing. I have great memories of him during our junior and senior high school years. I remember his laugh, his musical talents, and the cowboy toughness. My prayers are certainly with the family. God Bless you all. David Baxter
Pam Taylor
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Libby,
I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Karen Harris
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
This news is heartbreaking, but I am thankful to the Lord there will be no more suffering.
My thoughts, prayers, love and deepest sympathies are with each and everyone of you today and always.
God rest his beautiful soul.
Karen Wainwright Harris
Jane Vinson
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Lib and the Barnett family,
So saddened by your loss! We are never ready to let go even though we know a better place lies ahead. You will be in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers! Memories in our hearts keep our loved ones alive!
Donna mcClendon
Monday, April 7, 2014
(((holding this family)))
Harlon & Shirley Martin
Monday, April 7, 2014
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. It has been a long time since I saw Bobby. He was such a cute young boy and very likable.The Barnetts are a very special family. Remember you are in our thoughts and prayers.
johnny milum
Monday, April 7, 2014
Jimmy, Bobby was a good man and always had something interesting to say when I talked with him. He sure had an interesting and varied life-never afraid to try something different.
John Wells
Monday, April 7, 2014
I met Bobby years ago through Dan Murphy. Always had to see Bobby when in Batesville. Many memorable times at Bobby's house including a time when we were all turned away from a Hank Williams, Jr. concert that was oversold and then there was the time Bobby hosted a bachelor party for Dan. We also attended a Barnett family reunion here in Hot Springs. Bobby was Bobby and showed up in the Arlington lobby barefooted. Oh, the stories he could tell! As another friend wrote today, we are all richer for having crossed paths with Bobby Barnett.
Lisa Johnson
Monday, April 7, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Bob about 20 years ago at a local nursing home. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Greg and Katy Wolf
Monday, April 7, 2014
Bob who never failed to call during Christmas after receiving our card. We would get caught up on the past year's events...all the highs and lows. Our last conversation was a happy one because he wanted us to know he was getting married.
Gina Robertson
Monday, April 7, 2014
I have known Bobby all my life and Libby all my life also. Bobby was a good guy and will be greatly missed. Libby you are in my prayers. Bobby will get to see his Mom and all the other loved ones who have gone before.
Ginger, Anne And Richard Bachman
Monday, April 7, 2014
Libby we are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are broken for you and your family
Nick & Katrina Fudge
Monday, April 7, 2014
Sweet Libby,
Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. Just know you are being prayed for!