Neil Lane Barnett

Neil Lane Barnett, 57, of Evansville, passed away October 18, 2012, at home after a two year struggle with cancer, with his loving family present. Neil was born December 8, 1954, to Carl and Dorothy Barnett. Neil graduated from Boonville High School in 1972 and University of Evansville with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Kentucky Wesleyan College. He was a member of the TKE Fraternity at UE. He taught six years at Tennyson Elementary School before pursuing a career in construction. He was owner and operator of Ash Iron Construction, Inc. At an early age, Neil was very active as a member of Baker Chapel United Methodist Church in Degonia Springs, IN where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Teacher, and Trustee. Currently, he was a member of Blue Grass United Methodist Church in Evansville where he served on the board of Trustees and was very active in planning and construction of the new church being built. Neil became a Boy Scout at the age of 12. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1972. Neil was a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. He has led three troops as Scoutmaster including Troop 151 in Tennyson, Troop 161 in Boonville and currently Troop 350 in Evansville. He has led 48 boys through the pursuit of Eagle Scout. He received the Silver Beaver Award in 1989 for outstanding service to the local Council. This prestigious award is the highest award a Council can bestow upon a volunteer. Neil was an excellent example of what it means to live the Scout Oath and Law. He was also a lifetime member of the NRA. A giant, gentle, loving, bear of a man, Neil was loved by many people, has had a positive effect on many lives and never met a stranger. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Neil is survived by his wife of 15 years, Crystal Reed, MD; daughters, Melissa Cunningham (Drue) of Salado, TX, Erica DeJong (Bryce) of Evansville; twins, Alexis and Grant Barnett at home; grandsons, Kaidon DeJong and Bryson DeJong; parents, Carl and Dorothy Barnett of Boonville; brothers, Glenn Barnett (Kelly) and Steven Barnett, MD (Kristi) of Boonville; nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Services will be 10:00 AM Monday, October 22, 2012, at Blue Grass United Methodist Church, 14240 Petersburg Road, Evansville, officiated by Pastor Doug Heiman, with burial in Maple Grove Cemetery in Boonville. Friends may visit Sunday from 1:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander North Chapel, 4200 Stringtown Road, and Monday from 9:00 am until service time at the church. The family would like to thank Dr. Dan Shirey, Dr. Jim Maserejian, Dr. Jon Frazier and Vista Care Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care. Memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Buffalo Trace Council Troop 350, Vanderburgh Humane Society or Blue Grass United Methodist Church. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.