Gerald (Jerry) D. Barnett

Gerald (Jerry) D. Barnett was born on December 8th, 1930, to Opa Fowler and Marguerite (Davis) Barnett at the farm home of his grandparents in Braymer, Missouri. He grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, graduating from Wyandotte High School in 1948. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1951. His tour of duty with the 36th Communications Security Squadron included assignment to Wheelus Air Force Base, Tripoli Libya - North Africa from July 1952 to December 1953.

On January 9th, 1954, he was married to Norma Middendorf at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Kansas City, MO, while he was still serving in the U.S. Air Force. The newlyweds lived in San Antonio, Texas, while Jerry completed his military service. They returned to Kansas City in December 1954. They made their home in Overland Park, Kansas in 1960. He is father to two sons, Brian and Philip. Jerry was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in 1957 and was an active member in Bethany Lutheran Church in Overland Park, Kansas. Jerry was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter 181 in Overland Park.

His frequent recreational activities included attending air shows with his family, boating with family and friends, playing tennis and golf, and bowling in the Bethany bowling league. Jerry and Norma had season tickets to Kansas State University Football games for a number of years. Jerry and Norma took frequent road trips after he retired from the City of Overland Park Traffic and Street Lighting Division in 1997. Those trips included travels to many places throughout the United States with particular emphasis placed on visiting Philip and his family in North Carolina. Jerry also enjoyed visiting friends from Bethany for morning coffee and for breakfast after church services on Sunday.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Norma. Survivors include sons: Brian of Wamego, KS and Philip of Overland Park, KS. Grandchildren: Hannah Dail-Barnett (Robin) of Ayden, NC and Thomas Barnett (Devon) of Wilmington, NC.

A life celebration will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, 9101 Lamar Ave, Overland Park, KS on Friday August 15, 2025. Visitation from 10 to 11 am and service to follow at 11 am. 

Internment at Johnson County Memorial Gardens immediately after the service

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts be made to Bethany Lutheran School, 9101 Lamar Ave, Overland Park, KS 66207