Joseph David 'JD' Barnett

Joseph David “JD” Barnett left us to be with our Lord Jesus on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, in Manhattan, Gallatin County, Mont., at the age of 93.

He was born Oct. 26, 1924, to Thomas and Dola (Martin) Barnett, in Gallatin County, Ill., the oldest of six children.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy (Pacific Theater) during WWII and the Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he moved to Evansville, Ind. There, he met his wife of 64 years, Vera Jane Padgett Barnett. Two children were born to this union, Jarita Blythe and Ruey Lane.

He had many jobs during his lifetime, with his longest tenure working for Birdwell in the oil fields.

The Barnetts made their home in Fairfield, Ill., from December 1959 to June 1971, until a job transfer took them to Glendive, Mont. In September 1975, he and Vera moved back to their farm in Fairfield and resided there for the next 24 years. They returned to Montana to be closer to Jarita and Ruey and their families; first to Glasgow, then to Belgrade and Manhattan.

He is preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Jim, Marty and Ida.

He is survived by his wife, Vera, of Manhattan; one daughter, Jarita Neckels, and her husband, Howard, of Deer Lodge; one son, Ruey Barnett, and his wife, Marla, of Belgrade; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Nix and Sally Snodgrass and her husband, Glen; and one sister-in-law, Ellen Barnett.

A private family service was held Monday, Feb. 5, in Manhattan.

Memorials may be sent to Belgrade Alliance Church, 205 W. Cameron Ave, Belgrade, MT 59714.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. http://www.dokkennelson.com