Wendell Hines Barnett Jr.

Wendell Hines Barnett, Jr. was born on May 4, 1944, in Dallas, Texas. His Father, Wendell Sr, and Mother, Mittie H. Williamson, lived with Wendell in several locations around the states as his Dad was a career military aviator. Wendell truly followed Shakespeare’s seven stages of man, playing many parts. During and after his infant stage, young childhood was full of adventures mostly created by himself, like deciding to drive his tricycle into town on his own. His young school career had a shining morning face, but he truly wished to be other places besides school. Besides bicycles, he was always interested in planes and boats – interests he exhibited throughout his career in the US Marine Corps.

A few year after his 1963 graduation from Rincon High School in Tucson, Arizona, where he made some lifelong friends, in 1969 Wendell volunteered to join the US Marine Corps. In dramatic fashion, he trained and fought in the Vietnam war in the Reconnaissance Division, narrowly surviving many situations. At the time ,he captured many memories that he, at another stage, turned into poetry (some of which will be read at his memorial). After the war, he was honorably discharged, and returned home to the US, as many did, to a world where he did not feel welcome. Ironically, he was shot in an attempt to rob him of a car that did not exist, and with a bullet lodged next to his heart that remained until his death. It was this bullet that brought a sweet and lovely nurse to this Marine’s bedside. Lynn Marie Monkman and he married on June 14, 1975, and 50 years later, she was at his side while he drew his last breath.

In between were many adventures together. While Lynn became a professional office administrator in the medical world, Wendell re-enlisted in the Marines Corps. Starting as recruiter in Hollywood, he continued his training in reconnaissance in various areas of expertise, particularly adept around the ocean in his SCUBA training. His lifelong hobby was spending time in the surf. He and Lynn had tours of duty in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and Prague (Czechoslovakia) – where Sargeant Wendell Barnett was in charge of the US Marine Guard details. Returning home to the states, they settled in Carlsbad, California, to be near the sea and surf.

Lynn settled back in to administrative work at Southwest Cancer Care, and Wendell continued to rise through the enlisted ranks. He served in both Gulf wars, became an expert in Combat Cargo, in planes and boats, and achieved the rank of Warrant Officer, retiring as Chief Warrant Officer at the highest level -05- in 2006.

He, however, was not done with his duties. Retired Chief Warrant Officer Wendell Barnett volunteered for the Veteran’s Association, visiting disabled veterans at the San Diego Veteran’s Association, and eventually with the Surf Clinic in Del Mar south of Carlsbad. He and Lynn volunteered there for years - Wendell in the surf with the veterans, Lynn serving sandwiches and beverages when they came ashore. In 2013, he went down in the surf, and was barely saved by the quick acting lifeguards. Unfortunately, he took seawater into his lungs which weakened them, and his vigor declined.

This did not stop Wendell and Lynn from enjoying their home and frequent trips to Disneyland, his beloved ‘home away from home.’ His last trip took place about a year ago, and he was still wanting to go again with Lynn even as he was taking his last breaths. His childhood love for planes and boats continued throughout his life, and he became a poet and loved the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Wendell has now departed this world, as of December 28, 2025.

Lynn survives him, along with his sisters Laura Hoffman, Brenda Carmadella, and Paula Bulcao; Lynn’s siblings, Kathy and Frank and their mates (Bob Bellino, Kathy; Tami Monkman); several nieces and nephews (Nathan, Angela, and Danny Bellino; Josh Folsom; Alan Monkman, Abby Folsom), and grand nieces and nephews (Carmela Bellino, Vince Bellino, Asisi and Asani Bellino, Lilith Folsom). Several family members have predeceased him, notably his Mother Mittie, Father Wendell, Stepmother Gene, parents -in-law Cyrill and Mary Monkman, nephew Christopher Monkman and niece Anlya Folsom.

Wendell has numerous friends and people around the world who have survived him and been touched by him. In particular, it is important to include here those he befriended in the Veterans Association Surf Clinic; the countless Marines he served in the USMC (Semper Fi Warrant Officer Barnett.); a social history book club; the many friends he continued to look out for and communicate with around the world; those whose lives he touched when he made sure his pockets always had some cash so he could give generous tips or donations along with his smile and sincere interest in their names; and above all, to acknowledge Wendell’s loyalty to his loving wife, Lynn.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial for Wendell on January 24, 2026, at Eternal Hills Memorial Park Mortuary in Oceanside California, from 1-4 pm (1300-1600). It will be a gathering where aspects of his life will be shared and you are invited to bring a fond memory, a moment Wendell changed or challenged your perspective in conversation, a picture, a glimpse of this man we all know to have been a rare and wonderful soul among us. If you do not wish to share vocally, feel free to bring a written notion and someone can share it for you.

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