On Thursday, December 3rd, 2020, John Barnett of Elkins, AR passed away at the age of 63.
John was born July 29th, 1957 in Dexter, Missouri to Alfred C. and Norma Payne Barnett.
John was most recently a bus driver at the University of Arkansas Transit, Fayetteville Public Schools and Elkins Public Schools. He loved to take the kids to games, bowling, cheer, or any other events the school had planned. He loved all the kids like his own and took a genuine interest in their lives. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, friend and provider for his wife, Wanda Barnett. He enjoyed taking his granddaughter Laura to her softball games, practice and teaching her to drive. He loved to chat, never met a stranger, knew Jesus and loved to make people laugh.
John was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Laura James; his mother, Norma; father, Alfred; brothers, Larry and Tom; sisters, Hazel and Mary “Pete.” He is survived by his wife, Wanda Barnett; children, daughter, Amber James and husband Brian, daughter, Cheyrl Reynolds and husband Gary and son, Dewayne Keys and wife Laura; and grandchildren, Bradley Huff, Krista Huff, Wesley Keys, Sarah Keys, Ryan Reynolds and Erika James. He is also survived by his brothers, Lester, Henry and Ricky; and sisters, Debbie Warbritton, Sylvia Razer and Connie Pruett.
Due to COVID there will be no funeral service at this time. Please join us to share our memories, condolences and pictures online at Beard’s Funeral Chapel website and through Facebook. He will be cremated and kept near his granddaughter Laura.
John passed away of a heart attack and has struggled with heart issues from a very young age. In lieu of sending flowers please donate to the American Heart Association.
Uncle John you will be missed. Forever and always in my heart.
I bet Laura was happy to see you!
Love ya Hollie
So sorry for loss! Praying for you all!
Wanda and family, I am so sorry for your loss. John will be greatly missed.
He sure was special to our family. We considered him family. I loved him and I’m sure gonna miss him. Praying for the family during this time of grief.
He was my favorite bus driver ever taking me and the team to basketball games
So so sorry our prayers will be with ever one.
Love and prayers to all.
We are so very sorry for your loss. He was one of kind. We love u all so much and send love and prayers
Love
Luke Charleen kelby Preston Kaden Hinchman
I loved Mr. John. He always drove our buses on field trips and was so friendly to everyone he met. He was always so supportive of me especially when I became a principal. I will truly miss him but I know he is seeing Laura now and that makes me happy.
Hey was always the Jokester & loving making me laugh. He always called me Pecan Pie for my love of pie of course! Lol
He will be missed.
I always enjoyed talking to John, we had some great laughs. He always had a story to tell. Sister Wanda we are holding you up in prayer.
So sorry to hear about your loss, John was a good man and will be missed by many, sending my love and prayers to the family
So sorry for your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you,family and friends.John was a good man.Never meet a stranger.