David Jackson Barnett passed from this world into the arms of our Lord on March 19, 2023, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 75, after a meaningful life and lengthy health battle. David is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathleen, of Mansfield, Missouri; their two children and their spouses, Deidra & Loren Busbee of Prosper, Texas, and James & Shelly Barnett of Mansfield, Missouri. He leaves behind six grandchildren: Dawson Barnett and fiancé, Anna Neal, Lena Busbee, Brayden Barnett, Annabelle Busbee, Eleanor Busbee, and Charles Busbee. He leaves behind three close-knit siblings: Joe and Jackie Barnett of Paragould, Arkansas, Sue and Chuck Lewis of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Carol Grow of Mandeville, Louisiana. He also leaves behind a large extended family and a multitude of friends he considered family. He was saved and was baptized at the same time as his wife and two children at Mansfield First Baptist Church.
David was born on May 5, 1947, in Harrison, AR to Edd and Laverne (Motley) Barnett. He was the oldest of four rambunctious siblings working on their family farm. He graduated from Valley Springs High School then went on to start college at Arkansas Tech. A very fun semester gave him the opportunity to leave college in 1967 to serve his country in the United States Army for 1 year 10 months and 18 days, including a tour in Vietnam. He later finished his degree in education at Missouri State University but spent the majority of his professional career in insurance sales until he followed his fishing passion into bass boat marketing.
David met Kathleen Griffith when she was teaching his younger sisters at his alma mater in Valley Springs, Arkansas. In fact, their first date almost didn’t happen when she didn’t say yes. He was persistent, largely because he wanted to win a bet with his dad that she wouldn’t go on a date with him. He ultimately won the bet and the girl. They were married as soon as he returned from the war. They settled down in New London, Missouri, before moving to Mansfield, Missouri, where they raised their family.
Hunting, fishing, and woodworking were some of David’s favorite hobbies. He fished a lot of bass tournaments and then ran the Mo-Ark bass tournament series for many years. He was creative and always had several projects going like building stairs in his own house, a flag box for a fellow veteran, or a table for his daughter-in-law. He loved Cardinals baseball, Razorback football and basketball, and anything his kids or grandkids participated in. Thanks to digital streaming, he was able to watch a lot of baseball, volleyball, band, and violin competitions over the last few years.
David was committed to serving people and in his earlier days he enjoyed spending time serving as a volunteer fire fighter, coached little league, Kiwanis member, and a Shriner. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mansfield Historical Society, Wounded Warriors, or Shriners Hospital for Children to continue his legacy. All donations can go through the funeral home.
