Barney Barnett

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Edwin Lavern “Barney” Barnett, age 81, of Carl Junction, Missouri, departed this life on Saturday evening, May 30, 2026, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri, after a recent decline in health.

Barney was born on January 5, 1945, in Columbus, Kansas, the only child born to the late Leroy and Lucy (Waggoner) Barnett. He resided in Columbus until moving to Carl Junction, Missouri, during his high school years, graduating in 1963. On October 23, 1964, he was united in marriage to Mary Irwin, and together they shared sixty-one years of marriage filled with devotion, love, and many cherished memories.

Barney spent his working life as the owner and operator of Barnett Excavation for more than forty years. He took great pride in his work and especially loved his heavy equipment, with a particular fondness for his Case equipment. His strong work ethic and dependable nature earned him the respect of many, and he built a life centered on perseverance, responsibility, and honest labor. Outside of work, Barney enjoyed mowing, attending rodeos, and watching softball games. Above all else, he loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them. He was of the Nazarene faith.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Mary Barnett, of the home; a daughter-in-law, Ginger Barnett of Carl Junction, Missouri; two granddaughters, Karley Barnett and fiancé Tyler, and Kendra Walker and husband Matt; three great-grandchildren, Lucy, Luke, and Addy Walker; two nieces, Geralynn and Macajah Irwin; a nephew, Geratt Irwin; and a great-nephew, Grady Irwin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Lucy Barnett; and two children, Melissa Sue and Bryan Barnett.

Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri, with Pastor Kelly Ross officiating. Burial will follow at Carl Junction Cemetery. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Mark DeGraff, Steve Drake, Geratt Irwin, Roy Irwin, Brent Irwin, Matt Walker and Travis McCorkle. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Arrangements are under the care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.