Wesley Lee Barnett, 71, of Barr Slope, unexpectedly died at his home, Saturday, December 30, 2017. Born in Indiana, PA on January 20, 1946, he was a son of the late Clarence W. Barnett and Norma G. (Sprankle) Barnett.
Wes was a Private in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Third US Army, Company A, 801st Maintenance Battalion where he was a Field Artillery Repairman.
Following the war, Wes worked for the Schindler Elevator Company for nearly 40 years, retiring at age 65. He was known by many in the elevator service industry as a legend in the field of elevator installation and repair. Following his retirement, for the past 6 years, Wes was a private inspector with NAESA, the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International.
He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was extremely proud of being with his grandson, Easton, this last deer season when he shot his first riffle buck, a four point. Wes enjoyed diving in the ocean. He became a Divemaster and traveled to the Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Cozumel to explore the ocean reefs. He and his wife, Laurie, especially loved visiting Cozumel.
He was a lifetime member of the Glen Campbell American Legion, Post 435. He was a member of the Indiana-Franklin Lodge 313 F&AM, and belonged to the National Association of Elevator Contractors.
On February 18, 1998, Wes married Laurie Jean (Linnert) Barnett. They met while he was servicing an elevator at Indiana Hospital. Laurie says, “It was love at first sight”. They spent more than twenty years together, traveling and enjoying life.
In addition to his wife, Wes is survived by his four children: Carrie Barnett, Punxsutawney; Michael Barnett, Glen Campbell; Brandon Cook (Lacie), Creekside; and Steven Barnett (Bobbi Jo), Rossiter. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Gregory Geisler III; Shawna Cook; Easton Cook and great granddaughter, Brooklyn Geisler.
Friends will be received Thursday, January 4th from 4 – 6 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Indiana, where a Memorial Service will begin at 6 PM following the visitation hours at the funeral home. Rev. Calvin Duvall will officiate. A private interment will be made at a later date.
Online condolences may be offered by visiting rbfh.net.
