Throughout his life, he was a repairman, farmer, coach, firefighter, auto salesman, and missionary. He was always active, but happiest when restoring old cars (Chevy's) or constructing a new building. In 1985, Clyde and Linda answered the call to manage a feeding station in Ethiopia, working on famine relief. After returning to the states, they continued their mission work at Shocco Springs Alabama. Later they returned to Africa where Clyde taught automotive mechanics and construction in Asmara, Eritrea. Retiring from the mission field, he settled into a quieter life in New Albany, Indiana while volunteering at Clarksville Southern Baptist Church and the American Red Cross.
Clyde is survived by the love of his life and best friend of 65 years, Linda Wright Barnett. He is also survived by his children; John Barnett (Cheri), Kim Clifton (David), and Leonard Barnett (Joni). In addition his grandchildren, Katie Williams (Erik), Nick Clifton (Megan), Laura Gerlach (Michael), Sara Clifton (Sam Greenberg), Adam Barnett (Savannah Cartwright), and Morgan Bennett (Raygen); as well as eleven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Ruby Didion (Lou), Marie Barnes and Carolyn Hallam; sister-in-law, Nelda Barnett, and brother-in-law, Frank Berkley.
Clyde is preceded in death by his parents Willis Harold (P.I.) Barnett and Maggie Mae Barnett; siblings, William H., Dorothy Johnson, Ruth (Bob) Chavis, Bill Barnett, and Betty Berkley.
A visitation for Clyde will be held Monday, April 1, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, IN 47150. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the funeral home.
Clyde will be laid to rest in Yellowcreek Cemetery, 5860 Ky-144, Owensboro, Kentucky following services.
Donations in Clyds memory are suggested to the First Southern Baptist Church, 215 E. Ettels Lane, Clarksville, Indiana 47129 or at www.firstbaptistclarksville.org or to Hope Southern Indiana, www.hopesi.org.
