Conger T. "Bill" Barnett

Conger “Bill” Townsend Barnett, husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather and loyal friend, passed away into the Lord’s arms February 9, 2015 after 92 years. He was born October 20th 1922, in Alpine, Texas to the late Joe Graham and Annie Laurie Barnett and was a resident of Las Vegas for 53 years. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Cecile “Dolly” Barnett, and sister Maude Lewis and brothers Bud Barnett, and Jerry Barnett and grandchildren, Kara Barnett and Jimmy Barnett. He is survived by his children, William Michael Barnett (Sandy), James Edward Barnett, John Thomas Barnett, David Joseph Barnett (Debra), Lori Barnett-Lowe (Patrick); and 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Rolstad and brother-in-law, Don Rolstad. Our father moved from Texas to California at age 9 and entered the Navy at age 18 years during World War II, serving his country honorably. He met and married our mother in 1947 and began his family. He was a co-founder of Sterling Plumbing and Heating, Inc. in 1950 in San Diego, CA and instrumental in the development of Rancho Bernardo, CA. Our father and his brother were involved in many projects and housing developments throughout Southern California. Our father and his brother Bud had a passion for Sprint Car racing and they were USAC Championships in 1961.

Our father was a pilot and volunteered to pilot his own airplane for the Aero Squadron on search and rescue missions throughout Nevada. He enjoyed leisurely flying throughout the United States and Mexico; he loved flying and enjoyed taking friends and family on excursions. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer, and loved the outdoors; he traveled the world and enjoyed relaxing at his cabin in Utah.

He re-located his business to Las Vegas in the early 1960’s and his first major remodel was the Desert Inn Hotel. He remodeled several Hotels along the Las Vegas Strip, multiple commercial properties, thousands of homes and many housing projects throughout the valley. He obtained his General Contractor’s license while living in Las Vegas and developed multiple properties. He had a strong work ethic and was a respected and ethical businessman. No one had a bad word to say about our father and his word was his bond.

His legacy lives on through Sterling Plumbing and Heating, Inc. and family businesses, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. His appetite for food was as big as his appetite for life; frequently enjoying biscuits and gravy with family and friends at the Omelet House.

We will miss him dearly. He was very loved and cherished by his family and all who knew him.

Visitation will be February 12, 2015 from 6-8 pm, at Palm Mortuary on Eastern, 7600 S. Eastern Ave. Funeral Mass will be held on February 13, 2015 at 10am at St Viators Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nathan Adelson Hospice.