Samuel J. Barnett Jr.

Sam Barnett, 98 years of age, Child of God, Soul Winner, was born on June 23, 1919 in Taos, New Mexico to Naomi Belle Phipps and Samuel James Barnett Sr. He lived there for several years before his family moved to Lansing, Michigan. Sam would spend the majority of the remainder of his life in mid-Michigan residing in DeWitt. Sam married his sweetheart, the beautiful Ardis Alene Linebaugh on his twenty-first birthday. He was totally devoted to Ardis. They enjoyed a wonderful, strong marriage together and in 1943 they welcomed their son, Samuel F. Barnett Sr. In 1944, during WWII, he was inducted into the US Navy, serving in South America, Africa and the Pacific Theater. After the war, he came home and spent thirty-three years as a Heating and Cooling Engineer with Michigan Supply Company, until he retired in 1981.

He faithfully served the Lord his entire life. He was an amazing witness, prayer warrior and servant to his Savior. He could be found serving as an Interim/Lay Pastor and taught adult Bible classes at both Walker Memorial Church and Grove Bible Church. He served as a Sunday School Superintendent and was a board member for many years at Walker. Sam was on the board at Bethel Manor, The Youth for Christ Advisory Board, and Camp Barakel. He also served as the Chairman of the Christians Business Men’s Association. He lived while eighteen Presidents mounted the White House steps and celebrated sixty-four married years with his sweetheart, Ardis. He lived to see, hold and love his children’s children’s, children’s, children.

Today we stand in the great realization and faith that when Sam closed his eyes in slumber, he opened them in the Majestic Presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Sam is survived by his only child, Samuel Floyd (Brenda) Barnett Sr.; grandchildren, Ann (Mike) Schafer, Brian (Stephanie) Barnett, Tim (Laura) Barnett; great grandchildren, Sam Barnett III, Marissa (Scott) Wiltse, Stephanie Barnett (fiance John Snater II), Rebecca Schafer, James Schafer, Bonnie Barnett, Isabelle Barnett (fiance Wyatt Rowley); great-great grandchildren, Claire Lee Custer and Lyle James Barnett.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Samuel and Naomi; father and mother-in-law, Reverend Floyd and Pearl Linebaugh; his beloved wife Ardis (2004); baby granddaughter, Denise Barnett; and much-loved grandson, Samuel F. Barnett Jr., (2013).

We wish to extend many thanks to the devoted and loving folks at Hazel I. Findlay Manor, who made life for Sam interesting and comfortable. He loved so many of you.

The Barnett Family would like to sincerely thank each of you for taking time to come and celebrate Dad/Grandpa/Great Grandpa/Great-great Grandpa’s life’s journey here on earth.

During this bittersweet time, we rejoice-

“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” II Corinthians 5:8