Published: June 24, 2009 11:16 am      

William (Bill) Barnett

obituaries

William (Bill) Barnett, 84, of Somerset, passed away Sunday June 21, 2009 at the U.K. Medical Center in Lexington, Ky. He was born November 19, 1924 in Pulaski County to the late James Frank and Doris Sears Barnett. Bill graduated from Somerset High School and was also a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University. While attending Eastern, he played for the college basketball team for 4 years.

He entered the United States Army in June of 1943 and served his country during World War II, earning 5 Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and a Victory Medal. After the service, he worked for the United States Postal Office for over 30 years until retiring. Bill loved to bowl, golf and hike. He loved to hike with his sister, Betty Jane, who preceded him in death. There were very few hiking trails in Pulaski and surrounding counties that Bill and Betty Jane had never hiked. One of their great accomplished hikes was the hike up Mt. Le Conte, in Gatlinburg, TN.

They hiked this mountain several times over the years together and also with many friends.

Bill is survived by his sister Estelle Barnett Drake (Gene) of Frankfort, Ky., and brother, Eugene S. Barnett of Somerset, Ky. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Bill also leaves behind his very special pet dog "George", who he dearly loved.

Preceding Bill in death are his parents, brother Frank and sister Betty Jane Barnett.

Visitation for William "Bill" Barnett will be Thursday, June 25, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the chapel of Somerset Undertaking & Crematory.

A funeral ceremony honoring the life of Bill will be on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 12:00 P.M. at the chapel of Somerset Undertaking & Crematory with Bro. Johnny Dunbar officiating. Military honors for Bill will also be performed at the funeral home by Post #38.

Inurnment will take place at a later time.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the Heritage Hope Church of God Building Fund.

Somerset Undertaking & Crematory is in charge of all arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.somersetundertaking.com