Howard Barnett 1935-2023

Howard Thomas Barnett, 88, Holton, formerly of Arrington, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023, at The Pines.

He was born April 2, 1935, in Muscotah, the youngest of Luther and Margaret (Thomas) Barnett. 

Howard graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1952. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from January 1956 until October 1957. 

He was a life-long farmer and stockman in the Muscotah and Arrington community, until 2012 when they moved to Holton. He was a member of Holton Evangel (formerly Evangel United Methodist Church) and a former 4-H leader. Howard also served on the ACCHS School Board and Atchison County Livestock Association. 

Howard married Crystelle Beth Gilkison on Oct. 24, 1958, in Valley Falls. They celebrated more than 63 years of marriage before her passing on Oct. 14, 2022. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Margaret Barnett; three sisters, Onita Brook, Beatrice Ray and Helen Abramson; and two brothers, Phillip and Norman Barnett. 

Survivors include his daughter, Melissa Frost (Greg) of Lawrence; four sons, Alan Barnett (Kathy) of Arrington, Arthur Barnett of Lenexa, Andy Barnett (Sheryl) of Valley Falls and Aaron Barnett (Erin) of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and three more on the way.  

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 4 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at Muscotah Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to the Jackson County Senior Citizen’s Center or Jackson County Honor Flight, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)