Billy Neal Barnett

Billy Neal Barnett, 86, of Lake Charles, LA died peacefully on Saturday, August 20, 2016 in his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Billy was born on November 27, 1929 in Saltville, VA to Willie and Margaret Barnett. Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. J.H. French of Glade Springs, VA and Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Barnett of McCready’s Gap, VA. Billy moved to Lake Charles, LA with his parents in 1935. He was a graduate of  LaGrange High School in 1946 and attended McNeese Junior College. He was employed by Southern Amusement Company, Paramount, Arcade, and Ritz Theaters. He was also employed by Mathieson Alkali Works ( fourth generation) as an Instrument Technician, Leader man, Maintenance Foreman, and Instrument Engineer. Billy transferred back to Saltville, VA in 1968 as Manager of Maintenance. He returned to Lake Charles in 1971 and started a new business (Petrochem Fluid Controls) in 1972. He sold the business in 2003 and retired. He was a member of The Instrument Society of America. As a youth, Billy belonged to Boy Scout Troop 1 of Lake Charles and later one of Billy's most rewarding moments came when his oldest grandson presented him with an Eagle Scout Mentor Award. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed the great outdoors, hunting and fishing with his dear friends, his daughters and eventually his grandchildren.  Billy spent many wonderful times at his camp at Big Lake. He had many fond memories of times with good friends and all of their families. He enjoyed cooking, bar-b-ques, and being with family and friends. This got better when he taught his son-in-laws how to cook and then he could simply observe.

Those left to cherish his memory are: his loving wife of 54 years, Jane Coco Barnett; four daughters he adored: Nina Marceaux and husband Greg, Jenny Sarpalius and husband Bill, Dawn Wallwork and husband Bobby, Nancy White and husband Clark; four granddaughters: Tara and Kelly White, Janie Wallwork and Mazie Marceaux; three grandsons: Holden, John Paul and Quinn Marceaux: three great granddaughters: Avery Jackson, Fallyn and Finley Audilet; and one Great Grandson: Knox Jackson.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leonard Gene Barnett; two sisters, Marlene Green and Glenda Beaugh.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM and a rosary at 6:00 PM Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will resume from 9:30 AM until time of service Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Home. Burial will be at Consolata Cemetery. Monsignor Charles Dubois will officiate services.

Honorary pallbearers include: Danny Daniel, Dr. Carol McCauley, Summa Stelly, and Olen Clark.

Pallbearers will be Greg Marceaux, Bill Sarpalius, Bobby Wallwork, Clark White, Holden Marceaux, John Paul Marceaux, Quinn Marceaux, and Knox Jackson.

Special thanks given to Amalia Lehr, Norma Granger, Heart of Hospice, Dr. John Digiglia, Dr. Jake LeBeau, Laura Holden Stawecki, NP, and Dr. Albert Raizner.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to The American Heart Association or The Boy Scouts of America.