As most everyone has already stated, Will was an amazing individual full of spirit and life. He was quick to engage anyone anywhere on any topic, especially politics.  He enjoyed sports, politics, traveling, skiing, biking and grilling out with friends. I really enjoyed working with him while deployed to EUCOM HQ EDDOC.  He was a tremendous asset to the EEDOC. He helped train me and nearly every Officer and NCO watch stander.  He was admired for his "can do" spirit, spicy attitude and willingness to help others. I really enjoyed my 7 months in Germany and  think about him and my other EDDOC colleagues often. I pray that he is in a better place now and is looking out for his family, friends and colleagues.  See you when I get there.

Will always made me stop and think about the status quo...his smile was infectous and his wit was sharp.....it was an Honor serving with you bud...God speed..

Will was an awesome patriot and an incredible person.  I had the honor of meeting him only for a few brief months but right away I knew he was a person that was always willing to help others and get the job done. Rest in peace and look into your loved ones from time to time, I know you're in heaven looking down.

As we go through life there are those people that keep us going.  Will was one of those people for me.   Rarely was there not an opportunity for him to come up to me with his biggest grin and jokingly make me feel as uncomfortable as he could.  I almost always cringed and he got the result he wanted but I loved it. Somebody that didn't know Barnette might take offense but he had one of those personalities that people absolutely loved.  He worked hard, played hard and always made every friend he had feel like they were his best friend.  I never knew a person that didn't like him and I don't think I ever will.  Rest easy Will, this is not goodbye it is simply see you later may God protect you and look over those you loved in your absence.

So very sorry for your loss. Hoping you will find comfort in all your wonderful memories. Our prayers are with you.

We are so very sorry for the loss of your BJ!  Will be keeping your family in prayers now and in the hard times to come.  Our deepest of sympathy and prayers

 I will always cherish the memories we had when we were kids. You will be missed BJ. Rest in peace my friend..

We will be thinking of you and praying for you on Sat. at 10:00 AM
Much love to you all,
Aunt Vera and Uncle Harold

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kirk, Joanne, Neil, and Craig -
I was so sorry to hear about BJ! It was uplifting and inspiring to read about what an amazing man he grew up to be! I have many good memories of sleepovers and the "little brother" being a pain! I know there aren't really words... please know we are very sorry and you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

I have known B.J. since he was four years old, a tiny blonde haired boy, always, always with a huge smile upon his face and a sparkle in his eyes and though he grew into fine man, that grin of his never changed!  Our families have been together through many happy times and now we will grieve the loss of our loved one together as well.  May it comfort you to know that many thoughts and prayers are going out to you at this time.  B.J. left a fine impression on this Earth during the short time he was on it!!

So Very Sorry For Your Loss.May God Take You In His Loving Arms And Help You Through This Difficult Time.                                                                                                                                                                         
                Danelle Lessard  (Hardin Montana)

Kirk, JoAnn and family,
BJ was such a great person and could always be counted on for a laugh. He will be missed by all who knew him. I hope you find comfort in one another and in your memories. You're in our prayers.

We will never forget BJ. His smile lit up a room. His eyes twinkled with his obvious love of life.

Your time with us was too short.  My condolences go out to his family & friends. He left us in Stuttgart with many memories that make us smile whenever we think about him.

It's hard to believe someone with such a big personality and a love for life is gone so soon.  I worked with Will for two years in Stuttgart, and he always had a smile on his face and a "can do" attitude.  My deepest condolences to his family and fiancee.

Jackie, and family, I am so  sorry to see this, He sounded like a wonderful man. I dont know what to say...I just feel so bad. Death is so unfair, Ive lost almost all of my family now, and it just feels like it a huge part of your soul is gone. I still feel my dad near me, my uncle, and adopted brother,,it is so painful, I feel so bad for you all, I just believe in my heart we will see our loved ones again, but it still hurts so bad. prayers are with you and his family. i am so sorry

Danielle, Karen and Bud,
We are keeping your family close in our thoughts and prayers.  God be with each of you and strengthen you.

Will always put a smile on my face no matter what kind of day it was. Rest in peace, brother.

My deepest sympathies to Will's fiance' and family.  Will was a great Sailor and a key member of the team in the European Command Logistics Directorate.  A consumate professional who could always bring a smile or lighten the mood during any tense situation.  He will be missed.  May he rest in peace.

While we at Boeing only got to work with Will for a short time, it is amazing how quickly a co-worker can enter your life and make an impression and impact.  Will and I started at Boeing on the same day, in the same office and shared the learning process in our new job.  As the two newbees, I think we naturally looked to each other for support.  We would bounce ideas, questions, and thoughts off of each other, and it was easy to see what kind of person Will was and that he was someone you would want to call "friend". I am just sorry that friendship was for such a short time.  Will's straightforward approach, with his quick smile and easy laughter will be missed in our lives and office, but not forgotten.  God bless Will and his family.

This past week, the world lost a man who was the consummate professional, wise beyond his years and the truest of professionals.  If the contributions Will made during his time at Headquarters European Command are any measure of his contributions during his short life he indeed made a difference wherever he was.  I was fortunate to have worked with Will while in the Logistics Directorate at HQ EUCOM and I think we had a personal kinship as we discovered through many “solving the world discussions” in the early morning hours that we lived in Bozeman, Montana during some of the same years…we just didn't know it then.   I'm sure I echo the same thoughts as others when I say I am a better person today for knowing Will.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Will's fiancé, Danielle, and his entire family.  May God bless, guide and give you all strength during this difficult time…Randy Stenzel (and family)

Danielle - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  May God grant you a peace that passes all understanding. 
In Christ, 
Rick, Bonnie, Eric & Elizabeth Taylor

It was an absolute pleasure serving with Will. He always made everyone smile and was the epitome of a great man. I'll cherish the fun and experiences we shared and never forget his smile and laugh. Rest easy Shipmate, we'll never forget.

I interacted with Will on the phone and sometimes in person for work issues in Stuttgart.  Just like his obituary states, he had an infectious laugh and big smile.  What it didn't state is that he was a fine worker, dedicated to getting the mission done and making certain everything was accurate and completed quickly. It was great working with him.  He served our Navy extremely well, he served our nation perfectly and will be missed by all who wear a uniform who looked to him as a team-mate they could trust and depend upon.  May God Bless this fine young man.  May God Bless his dear family.

Fair winds and following seas, Will. It was a pleasure knowing you and thank you for keeping my cousin loved. Until we meet again.

Dearest BJ;
Thank you for bringing the magic of "you" into our lives. We are better people for having known you. Your inspiration for loving life will be with us always. Love & miss you. Frank & Mary Coyne

My prayers and thoughts are with BJ's friends and family.  His smile and laugh could brighten up a room which would make anybody's day better.  Though it had been years since we have seen each other, I always thought of my husband's little fraternity brother often.  May you rest in peace Will!

Will, I'm glad I got to know you and hang out with you towards the end of my time in the Navy. Hawaii was a blast man! Rest in piece friend.

Proud to have served with you; "only the good die young" and even fewer die doing what they enjoy.

May your family and friends celebrate your life in the knowledge that you will be missed by many and remembered by all. :)

Keith Helwig, former AM2(AW) of VAQ-139 ("Cougars")

You inspired me to live with all my heart.

Peace and Blessings of Comfort to you all.Will was crazy and fearless, I was pretty excited to have him on board with us here at Boeing FINALLY I wasn't the only silly one.lol He had a great sense of humor and his laughter throughout the day will be missed.. The song HEAD AND SHOULDERS, KNEES AND TOES. KNEES AND TOES, will forever remind me of you...Wings On Buddy !!....See ya !!

My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Will's fiancé, family and friends.  Although we worked together for only a short time, Will was a part of my life for seven months while stationed in Stuttgart, Germany.  A caring and knowledgeable professional, he made my days enjoyable.   I enjoyed the time we shared during visits to Munich, where we shared giant pretzels, beer and good conversation; and The Eagle's Nest, where we shared a meal while enjoying breathing views of the alps.

I had the pleasure of knowing Will for 2 years while stationed with him in Stuttgart, Germany.  I'll forever remember Will as the fun loving and compassionate man that he was.  Always ready for a laugh, smile or pratical joke. He was always like the little brother everyone wanted.  Rest in Peace Will.  You will be missed my friend.

I had the distinct honor and pleasure of being Wills supervisor at Boeing for the last few months. I knew moments after meeting him on his interview day that he was special; as he started interviewing me while we waited for his visitor pass! His presence, energy and personality filled every room he entered. I enjoyed both his enthusiasm and his fierce concentration while learning his new job and taking direction. His kindness and respect toward others was pure and absolute. Even though my time and knowledge of him was short and minimal; the impact he left behind is immense. Thanks for all the memories Will - God bless your soul and rest in peace.

I only knew Will for a short time at Boeing but was he such a delight.  Just to see him put a smile on your face.  He was upbeat and so positive.  We are going to miss him terribly.  Sharon

Thanks for always being the hardworking "go-to guy" and sharing all your wealth of knowledge. You will be missed. Rest in peace!

My deepest sympathies to Will's fiance' and family .  He will always be remembered in our hearts and souls.  I am proud to say that I had the pleasure of serving with Will and he will be truly missed.

Brad Walter
Former LS1 of VAQ 139 "Cougars"

OBITUARY

William Joseph Barnette

February 15, 1980 – January 22, 2012

Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services