Leland Edward Barnett

Leland Edward Barnett, age 74, of Crossett, Ark., passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2014 at his home. He was born on February 2, 1940 in Crossett, Ark. to Leroy and Sybil Ware Barnett. Leland was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Norman Lee Barnett. Leland was a 1959 graduate of Crossett High School. After graduation, he attended Northeast Louisiana University. He was also a regular attendant of the Stamps School of Gospel Music. Leland, his brothers and parents were host of a Sunday Morning Gospel Hour on KAGH where they shared their love of gospel music with others. The Barnett family was the 2007 recipients of the Ashley County Gospel Music Hall of Fame for Outstanding Contribution to Gospel music in Ashley County. He was a former music director for Temple Baptist Church in Crossett, Ark. He worked for Georgia-Pacific as a carpenter/painter foreman before becoming a self-employed licensed and bonded contractor. He loved to crappie fish, hunt and play the piano. More than anything he loved spending time with his kids, grandkids and extended family. He loved "good" southern gospel music. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Crossett and loved his men's Sunday School Class. Leland is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bettye Morgan Barnett; his three children and their spouses; Debbie Barnett Parks (Ricky Joe), Meleah Barnett Rainey (Jeff), Lee Barnett Jr. (Robin) all of Crossett; his grandchildren, Adam Parks, Heath Parks (Tanya), Kristy Parks Fox (Drew), Ryne Rainey, Morgan Rainey, Avery Barnett and Dalton Barnett; his great grandchildren, Josie Grace Parks, Leland Allan Parks, Braden James Fox, Alena Jolynn Parks and Tanner Matthew Fox. Leland is also survived by his brother, Mike, of Searcy, AR and two precious sisters-in-law; Rosia Barnett and Joyce Barnett. Also several dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at the First Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Crossroads Cemetery under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Crossett, Ark. (www.jonesservice.com). Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday at First Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Hospice Home Care, 455 W. Gaines, Monticello, Ark. 71655 or Gideon Bible Forms, P.O. Box 83, Crossett, Ark. 71635.