Obituary of Raymond Barnett

Raymond Lyle Barnett, the son of Wallace McQuoid and Rose Marie (Vanous) Barnett, was born August 24, 1932, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1950.  He went on to attend the University of Nebraska before graduating from Nebraska Wesleyan University with degrees in religion and philosophy. After graduation, he attended Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky where he received his Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1957.

In 1948, at the young age of 16, he met the love of his life, Jacqueline Lea Myers. On August 30, 1953, they were united in marriage and remained so for 59 years until Jackie’s death in 2013. In 1955, while making their home in Lexington, their son, Steven was born. The family later moved to Adel, Iowa where Ray served as a minister at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) from 1957-1963. In 1958, their daughter, Barbara, was born. They then moved to Newton in April of 1963 where Ray served and ministered as pastor to the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) family in Newton until his retirement in 1996. After his retirement, Ray was named Minister Emeritus by the First Christian Church in appreciation for his faithful service to God and the church.  Ray touched the lives of many families, presiding over 600 funerals and over 400 marriages, including being a part in the weddings of each of his children and grandchildren, the last at the age of 89.

Ray was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all. He left a legacy of love and a deep faith in God which was reflected in how he treated all those he met. Ray enjoyed reading, completing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, attending Newton Cardinal sporting events, serving at Wednesday evening Bible club and singing in the church choir. He was an officer of the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest, served as youth counselor at numerous summer conferences and continued as an active member of First Christian Church in Newton following his retirement.  While in Newton, he was member of the local Kiwanis club, YMCA board and Newton Minister’s Association. He especially enjoyed making fudge, peanut brittle and cookies to share with family and friends. In recent years, he enjoyed the company of his loyal furry companions, Murphy and then Sammy.  Ray stated that some of his favorite memories were made while vacationing with family to Estes Park, Colorado. 

Ray died peacefully on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Unity Point Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. He was 92 years old.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jackie on March 17, 2013; a grandson, Adam Michael Barnett on February 1, 2008; and his brother, Wallace Barnett, Jr. on March 16, 2016.

Those left to honor Ray’s memory include his son, Steven (Bonnie) Barnett; his daughter Barbara (Frank) Svoboda; his grandchildren, Andrew (Kelli) Barnett, Alisha (Peter) Hartmann, Stephanie (Al) Pawelek, Benjamin (Jenna) Svoboda; his great grandchildren, Amelia Barnett, Iris Hartmann, Caden Svoboda, Abigail Barnett, Ada Hartmann and Everly Svoboda; his brother, Robert Barnett, sister-in-law Patricia Murphy and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Celebration of Life to be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the First Christian Church in Newton. The family will greet friends at the church Friday evening, September 20 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm. Memorials may be designated to the First Christian Church or to Newton Dollars for Scholars and may be left at the church or at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home.