Mark S. Barnett

Mark S. Barnett was born in El Paso, Texas to Beverly Barnett and the late Marcus Barnett. He graduated from Atoka High School in Oklahoma and then went on to graduate from East Central University with a Bachelors of Education/ Vocal Performance. Mark loved performing in front of an audience, ranging from every type of theatrical performances. Mark was also a member of the National Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and National Sigma Theta Epsilon Christian Men’s fraternity. He then received his Masters of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary. Mark started his ministry in Perry, Oklahoma at the United Methodist church there as the youth minister. Then he was called to be the first campus ministry director at Oklahoma City University. He then was appointed to his first church in Hinton, Oklahoma. After eight years in Hinton, he was called to Wickline UMC in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Not only had Mark been a strong leader to the Wickline Church but he had also taken leadership in the following areas: a member of the Tinker/Mid-Del Family YMCA Board of Director’s, Chair for YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and Co-chair for one year, and recipient of the YMCA Volunteer of the Year 2007-2008. Some consider Rev. Barnett as the pastor to the community as well as to the church where he served. He has been the motivational speaker for many Mid-Del events and community prayer services. Mark was also involved in leadership with the Oklahoma Conference in the following areas: Oklahoma Conference United Methodist Probationary Mentor, North Oklahoma City District Board of Ministry Member, and Oklahoma conference camp Dean, Counselor, Curriculum writer. He has also led many workshops and taught classes on several areas of the church.

After dating for seven years Mark married Linda Dicus, his best friend. Linda, which is a former Oklahoma Conference Leadership director for seventeen years and now a Language Arts teacher at Carl Albert Middle School, has brought him much joy and much support. Their last 21 years has been a living witness to the power of true love and devotion of what a marriage can encompass. If asked what his pride and joy was he would respond with his two beautiful daughters and adopted son. His spitting image, Taylor Morgan, a high school senior at Carl Albert will be following in his footsteps and will attend Oklahoma City University next fall. Brenden May, as he would say, his little one, is a sophomore at Carl Albert and follows after her daddy’s footsteps by singing for the Lord and making people laugh and grin from ear to ear. Joe Nett, a 19 year old, is a United States Marine and is following Mark’s path in loving the Barnett girls and his Lord with all of his heart. Mark, as most knew him was many things to many people. He was a son, a brother and an uncle to two nephews and five nieces. They all thought he was “cool”. He was also an uncle to several family friends who loved him dearly. Mark was also an incredible friend to many and all counted his friendship close to their heart. Memorial donations can be made to the following: Wickline United Methodist Church, Oklahoma City University Barnett-Widener Scholarship, or The United Methodist Foundation.

He used all his gifts in ministry and loved the feeling it gave him and others. His sermons could be understood by the youngest child and discussed in depth by the most educated. He was well loved doing mission work, in which took him on many travels. Mark often said that his life’s ambition was to one day stand before his Father in Heaven and hear the words, “ Well done my good and faithful servant.” He repeatedly said he was ready to stand face to face with his Christ and any day would be good for him. On November 9, he achieved the highest of all honors. He graduated from this life with honors in the eyes of his beholder.