Jackie “Jack” Ray Barnett was born on October 22,1942 in Moko, Arkansas to Otto Cyrus and Maeoma (Bell) Barnett and departed this life on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 3:45 a.m. surrounded by his family.
He was united in marriage to Leni Watkins on March 26, 1970 in West Plains, Missouri and they enjoyed 56 years of traveling and spending time with family.
Jack was an avid fisherman, golfer, gardener and movie watcher. He loved the St Louis Cardinals baseball and football he was a big Mizzou Tigers fan; he never missed a game. In the early sixties he served as a Naval Corpsman at Camp Pendleton assisting physicians in triage and emergency care, including laboratory and radiology to sailors, Marines and their families. Upon returning from the military, he continued his work in the medical field until his retirement in 2012.
He is survived by his wife Leni of the family home, three children, Dawn Anderson and husband Jody, Brian Barnett and wife Jennifer all of Springfield, MO and John Barnett and wife Melanie of West Plains, Missouri. Seven grandchildren, Kelsey Whitcomb and wife Krista, Avery Anderson, Harrison Barnett and wife Delaney, Ethan Barnett, Scout Barnett, Logan Ebert and wife Tessa, Brooke Holloway and husband Billy. Four great-grandchildren, Rylee Ebert, Jaxon Holloway, Langston Ebert and Carter Holloway.
He is preceded in death by his parents Otto and Maeoma Barnett, in-laws Thomas and Orel Watkins, and Brother Junior and wife JoAnn Barnett.
Jack will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his love of family and friends. His laughter and wisdom were gifts to everyone who knew him.
A celebration of life visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in West Plains, Missouri from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Burial will be at a later date.
April 22, 2026 @ 12:11 pm
Jack was a wonderful and kind mentor to me and many others while he was employed by OMC. I cherished he and Leni’s friendship, both so down to earth and showing so much love to others that their lives touched. Prayers of comfort to his beautiful wife and companion, his family and friends. Enjoy the streets of gold, I’ll see ya, in God’s timing.
April 23, 2026 @ 12:24 pm
Sorry to hear of Jackie’s passing, we grew up together on Lanton Rd across from the cemetery. We went to school and graduated with class of 1960. We were both in the Navy around the same time.
My heart felt condolences go out his family.
Jerry Martin
April 23, 2026 @ 1:42 pm
So sad to hear of Jackie’s passing. We are also former classmates of 1960 WPHS. We will miss him. David and Carrie Thompson.
April 23, 2026 @ 2:57 pm
Bonnye and I were sorry to hear of Jackie passing. He was in the middle of helping us plan our 1960 class reunions and always caught us up on his golfing activities. Jackie was a member of the very first golf team for West Plains High School in 1959-60. Zizzers are special and he will be missed.
April 23, 2026 @ 3:31 pm
John we are so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family now and in the days to come. Love you.
April 26, 2026 @ 9:12 pm
Barnett family,
My heart goes out to all of you.
Jack was a huge part of my OZH life. Co-worker, mentor. Director and friend. His knowledge and skill in the Lab was an asset to OZH and all who worked with him.
After his retirement, he never failed to produce that big grin and give me a hug.
He was bigger than life.
Let the image of his Heavenly reunion soothe your hurting hearts. He will live on in your memories.
May 2, 2026 @ 3:07 pm
John and Melanie so sorry to learn of your father’s passing. Praying for peace for you
May 4, 2026 @ 11:02 am
Leni: I was very sorry to hear about the loss of Jack. He was such a great friend and mentor at work and when I got to meet you, I could understand why. You both are wonderful people and it has been a blessing to me to know you both. After my parents moved from New Mexico to West Plains and my Dad begin to play golf with Jack and Dale and the other fellas, I was even more pleased that I knew Jack. He treated my Dad so well. Prayers for peace and understanding from me to your entire family.