Centennial Tribute to . . .

Dad--- 

Truly taught by example; had a wry sense of humor; and yes, made some mistakes.

TWINS

Dad and his twin sister were the fourth & fifth living children of their parents. 

Of the two, he claimed to be born first.

a second article appeared two days later correcting the parents to W.H. Barnett; not W.C.

Family

Many, many family reunions, get togethers 

and simple visits were to abound. 

This one about 1921.

Honor Student

It was during the Depression; and the little Pennsylvania Dutch farmer next door kept an eye on Dad's family and their needs. At some point Dad had moved onto their farm and

when 'Jimmie' was appointed superintendent of the county home he told 'Peter' (as he called Dad) that he was to come and live in the superintendent's residence with him and Mrs. Barr.

It was so that Dad could attend High School 

and be sure to graduate.

Military

U.S. Army - WWII

Medical Corps

His stories were of stitching small wounds

and caring for soldiers in New Guinea

and overall he portrayed a positive experience.

(except for the bedside kangeroo that woke him one morning.

Oh, and the moldy boots.)

Married

September 24, 1947

Never a harsh word to the love of his life.

Provider

A day off or vacation mostly meant

lots of hard work at home.

Father

Not enough space to express

his acts of love and forgiveness.

Choices of medical treatment were fewer then,

but they sought them and didn't give up 

and happily seven years later, 

a Son.

Cars
Oh my, he did love his cars;

(and I suspect the wheeling and dealing that went along with them)

Work
Two words - Work Ethic!

Over time, two of his brother-in-laws 

also worked at the feed mills, Rae and Chuck.

Then for economic reasons, in his mid 50s, 
Dad went to work in a copper tubing mill 
until he was disabled following an accident at home.

Unconditional Love
"In sickness and in health

for better or for worse

'til death us do part"

Fifty-five Years

and He prayed for God's mercy on her soul

at her deathbed.

  

Perseverance 
Dad was injured in the early 1980s from a fall off the roof of a small barn at home.

It resulted in a complicated break in his hip.

At first he got along with a cane but

complications of aging resulted in him being bed ridden with Mum as his caregiver until she developed cancer. At that time he voluntarily

entered a  nursing home.

Once again he never placed guilt on his children

and every visit found a smile on his face.

(toothless as it was ;)

Passed On

Earthly life ends for all of us

and I thank Almighty God

that Dad's ending moments were peaceful.

   

 Happy 100th Birthday, Dad

So much more . . .

But that will wait for his written family history.

As a result of his love of family and community history, my retirement passion is genealogy and recording our stories.