Robert Joseph Barnett

On August 25, 2025, Robert Joseph Barnett, age 92, of Grayling, MI was welcomed into Heaven's gates surely with a greeting full of cheering, hugs, and shouts of joy! He passed away peacefully at Munson Healthcare and continued on into eternity to be with the Lord.

Robert was born to Leota (Kolb) Barnett on March 22, 1933 in Harrisburg, IL. He grew up on a farm in Patoka, Indiana. He was raised as a farm boy and worked beside his grandfather.

Robert met Donna Poe when they were 8 years old in grade school. Robert and Donna became sweethearts in high school when they were 16 years old. They were married on May 15, 1954. Donna was the love of Robert's life. Robert served in the United States army for several years after they married and returned home.

At age 28, Robert got right with the Lord and started taking his family to church. In 1962, he dedicated his life to the Lord and became a member of the first Baptist Church in Princeton Indiana. Robert was encouraged to preach and in 1972 was a candidate in Grayling Calvary Baptist called by unanimous vote. He helped start the Christian School at Calvary Baptist in 1976.

The biggest part of Dr. Robert Barnett's life was the church; the community he lived in and the people in the Grayling community that meant so much to him. He had in his heart the goal of Bible preservation and sustaining life long meaningful relationships. He was a man of great faith and wanted to share the gospel with everyone. He has been a staple in the Grayling community and will be forever treasured and missed by so many people.

Pastor Barnett will be dearly missed by his children, Mark (Sharon) Barnett, Brian (Patti) Barnett, and Kevin Barnett; grandchildren, Kimberly, Aaron, Lee, Chase, Brock, David and Joey; and 14 great-grandchildren. Robert is preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 67 years, Donna Barnett.

A Homegoing Service for Pastor Barnett will be on Wednesday, August 27th, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Grayling, MI, visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. with pastor Philip Niederer officiating. Graveside Services with Military Honors will follow at Elmwood cemetery. A luncheon will then be hosted back at Calvary Baptist Church following burial. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Pastor Barnett can be made to Calvary Baptist Church.

Condolences to pastor Roberts. Family can be shared at www.sorensenlockwood.com

Arrangements entrusted to Sorensen-Lockwood Funeral Home.