In lieu of flowers, thank you for honoring Barney with your donations to assist the family in end-of-life expenses, and support for his amazing partner, Kathi.
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Barney’s words rang true:
The best deals you make are the ones you are willing to walk away from.
On August 31st, 2023, Barney walked away from his battle with Multiple Myeloma (blood cancer). He accepted his new position from God in heaven, with a sign-on bonus of seeing his father and friends who got there first. He is currently evaluating his Earthly conspiracy theories and meeting the ancient aliens/angels.
Barney’s life was full of accomplishments:
Dubbed Barney “The Kid”, he graduated MacArthur High School in ‘73, where he was a stand-out football player and a state champion in wrestling. He went on to wrestle for Richland JC and the University of Southwestern Louisiana, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science. He was known for his constant grin and quick action to help anyone. This compassion took him to being a firefighter and paramedic for Dallas & Coppell Fire Departments. There he saw the devastation from people’s homes being destroyed, and he wanted to be a part of the solution. Barney “The Builder” was born. He built custom homes and pioneered ICF structures across DFW.
When the recession slowed construction, Barney re-cultivated his love for community & food. Barney “The Restauranteur” came to center stage. Barney opened Mardi Gras Cafe & Catering in Dallas. He continued catering until November 2022, when cancer changed everything. Barney “The Warrior” inspired us all through his battle. He never backed down from a challenge.
Barney was so many things to so many people, but we can all agree on his truest nature, Barney “The Dreamer”. He could create something out of nothing and make bad things different. His biggest dreams were fueled by the immense love he had for his family.
Barney cherished his life partner, and greatest cheerleader, Kathi. Barney was a collector of all things odd and/or useless. Succeeded by his kids: Joe, B and Scott.
Barney learned his negotiating basics from his dear family, where the stories still live on in his mother, Dorothy Barnett, and siblings, Glenda Barnett, Mike Barnett, David Barnett, and Fay Barnett; along with their cherished spouses and all his amazing nieces, nephews, grand niece and grand nephews.
The Dreamer will be missed, but we know Barney’s light will be in each of our own dreams.
