Funeral Services for the Honorable Judge Tommy Barnett, 66, of Cross Roads are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at First Baptist Malakoff with Bro. Frank Upchurch officiating. Interment will follow at Post Oak Cemetery near Cross Roads.
Tommy went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 1, 2017 in Tyler.
Thomas Jim Barnett was born May 17, 1950 in Athens, Texas the son of Brink Barnett and Mabel Adams Barnett. At the age of 2, he became the pride and joy and first child of Sue Barnett. Tommy attended first through eighth grade at Cross Roads I.S.D. and attended Malakoff High School where he was a graduate of the Class of 1968. He attended Henderson County Junior College and then went on to Sam Houston State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1974 and the nickname “Yard Dog”. In 1995 he attained his Masters of Education from Stephen F. Austin University. Tommy taught Vocational Agriculture in Cross Roads for 32 years. He also spent time as Cross Roads High School principal and Malakoff I.S.D. Special Education teacher. As Principal, he was responsible for starting the Honors Night Out for Seniors. However, his true love was teaching students in his Ag Science Classes where: he and his students won numerous awards and he made the most impact on the lives of so many young people. His love and desire to educate his students was recognized when Cross Roads I.S.D. named their new Agricultural Science building the “Tommy Barnett Ag Complex” on March 30 of this year. Tommy was awarded the Henderson County Woodrow Walker Memorial Award in 1996 and was a member of the Henderson County Area GO TEXAN Committee. Although recognized for numerous other honors, one thing he really enjoyed was being involved with the Senior Olympics at local Nursing Homes. In 2006 Tommy was elected to the position of Henderson County Justice of the Peace Precinct #5 where he served honorably until his passing. Tommy had a sense of humor that could only be matched by that of his father, Brink Barnett. He never met a stranger and was loved by all that crossed his path. He was extremely devoted to his wife, his family, friends, students, his community and especially his trusty companion Boone. The impression he made on his students was evident in the love they had for him and their desire to be better people because of him. One word that comes to mind to describe the legacy of Tommy Barnett ………… UNFORGETABLE.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Brink and Sue Barnett and Mabel Adams Barnett Hollis; sister Janie Tidmore and niece Matti Brinkly Thomas.
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years Dorothy “Dot” Durham Barnett of Cross Roads; three sisters, Sara James and husband Jesse of Garland, Patti Thomas and husband Scotty of Cross Roads, Lori Daniel and husband Brett of Athens; nieces and nephews, Tim Arthur, Rob Arthur, Kevin Arthur, Mark Tidmore, Jana Hughes, Jensy Bizzell, Kaci Lyford, Tessie Geatches and numerous great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to the Tommy Barnett Memorial Scholarship Fund at the 1st State Bank of Malakoff. P.O. Box 1089 Malakoff, TX 75148
Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens.

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