Wayne Barnett,

Colonel (Ret.) Wayne Barnett was born on August 15, 1943 in Winfield, KS. He passed away peacefully at his home in Biloxi, MS with his wife and children at his side on March 29, 2014 at the age of 70. Wayne loved his family more than anything. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Luella Barnett. He is survived by his treasured wife of 47 years Janice Barnett, his revered brothers Bruce, Bobby and Terry Barnett, his dearest sons John, Richard, and James Barnett, his loving daughter in-law Stephanie Barnett and his beautiful grandchildren Kaela and Aidan Barnett. Wayne proudly served his country in the Air Force on active duty at Keesler Air Force Base for four years where he also obtained his private pilot license. He then served in the reserves with the 911th communications squadron in Pittsburgh for 20 years. His three sons are currently on active duty in the Air Force largely due to his influence. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1965 with a degree in physical education. He played football and track for four years and was a member of ROTC and a fraternity. He was voted the most valuable player in the league on his lightweight football team and participated in the Penn Relays his senior year. Wayne had a successful career with US Airways retiring as the Vice President of ground services after 25 years of service. He then worked as Vice President for Cablevision for 5 years. After retiring, he spent several years substitute teaching in the Biloxi school system. Wayne's childhood years were spent playing sports and lifeguarding in Spring Valley, NY. He always spoke fondly of his family vacations to Lake Vallhalla, NJ. He moved to Keesler AFB in 1965 after finishing his degree at Rutgers. He married Janice Atkinson in 1967 at Beauvoir Methodist Church in Biloxi. They moved to upstate New York to work for Mohawk Airlines. He was quickly promoted and moved to Center Township, PA where they resided for the next 23 years, working in management at US Airways. Their final move was to Biloxi in 1995 where they retired. Wayne was active up until his death always making time for exercise, golf and watching/playing sports, and coaching. He greatly cherished his last years playing golf with his friends. To know Wayne was to love him. He was a kind man that would do anything for those he loved and respected. It was not unusual for him to sneak a turkey into a kitchen of a local family going through a tough time during Thanksgiving or buy running shoes for track athletes whose family couldn't afford them. He greatly admired the military and would often write sympathy letters to fathers of fallen soldiers whom he did not even know. Wayne's family was his world. He never missed an event that any of his sons was involved with and was always able to give advice or offer support for any situation. To his sons he was a true hero. Wayne admired and adored his wife more than words could ever express. She was his angel and they truly were a match made in heaven. She never left his side during their 47 years together and they were holding hands when he passed. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to the American Cancer Society with Wayne Barnett memorial to pancreatic cancer research noted on check or website (m.donate.cancer.org/ 330 S. Main St; #100; Wichita, KS 67202) or The Wounded Warrior Project (www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300; Jacksonville, FL 32256) or a favorite charity. A memorial service will be held at Beauvoir Methodist Church, 2113 Pass Rd, Biloxi, MS 39531 on Friday, April 4th at 11:00 a.m., with a 10:00 a.m. visitation, followed by a military burial at Biloxi National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com