Larry Richard Barnett

Larry Barnett, 83, passed away at his Matthews, Indiana home, on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Larry was born on October 23, 1939, to the late Everett and Lacy Barnett, in Matthews, Indiana. He graduated from Harrison High School, Class of 1958. On May 27, 1960, he married Joanne Dearduff, and she survives. Larry served on the Matthews Fire Department for 21 years. He retired in 1992, as an electrician from the Chevy plant in Muncie, Indiana, after 33 years of service. Larry owned and operated Barnett Electrical.

Larry enjoyed spending time with his family. He was born, raised, and lived most of his life 2 blocks away from the Cumberland Covered Bridge in Matthews. He had a great love for the bridge and was a driving force for its restoration in 1999; there is a plaque in honor of Larry for his involvement with the restoration located in the bridge. He made a scale model of the bridge in 1973 in honor of his brother, which is on display at the Matthews History Museum. Larry was a town historian. He enjoyed helping the Lions Club with running the electric for the Covered Bridge Festival each year. Larry was an active member in his community.

Larry is survived by his wife, Joanne; children, Dan (Andrea) Barnett, Alexandria; Rhonda (Brian) Holtzleiter, Upland; and Ricky Barnett, Kalamazoo, MI; grandson, Matt (Jordan) Barnett; great-grandchildren, Easton and Max Barnett; sister-in-law, Norette Barnett; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Lacy (Priddy) Barnett; grandson, Mark Barnett; siblings; Lucille Cole, Ruth Careins, Frances Jackson, Mary Nelson, Roy Barnett, Glenn Barnett, Jim Barnett, Bob Barnett, and Wanda Armstrong.

Arrangements for Larry have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 259 North Main Street, Upland, Indiana, where a visitation will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Joe Ruberg officiating. Friends may visit from 10:00 - 11:00 Saturday morning. Burial will follow at Matthews Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Matthews Historical Club, PO Box 67, Matthews, Indiana 46957, or to Heart to Heart Hospice, 1385 North Baldwin Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46952. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.