Horseman Larry Wright Barnett, 77, of Warrensburg, Ill., passed away on April 5 at Decatur Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.
He was born August 16, 1937, in Hindsboro, Ill., the son of Bennie and Vera (Wright) Barnett. After graduating from Virginia High School, class of 1955, Barnett continued his education by graduating from St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1959. He married Jennifer Suzanne Ross in 1995 in Reno, Nevada.
Barnett retired from Adolf Meyer Center in 1988 and from St. Mary’s Hospital in 2003. Throughout his career, he continued to provide help whenever needed in multiple hospital (and occasional retail) pharmacies in central Illinois including Pana Community Hospital, Shelby Memorial Hospital and John Warner Hospital.
He was an active member of the Illinois Pharmaceutical Association, the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association, Warrensburg Sportsmen’s Club, and Da’ Burg ‘Liars Club.’
Barnett was a passionate sports fan. He enjoyed watching the seasons change, from basketball to baseball to football. He was a diehard St. Louis Cardinals and Missouri Tigers fan. Locally, he truly enjoyed attending sporting events, especially the Warrensburg-Latham Cardinals; however, his St. Teresa Bulldogs could do no wrong. He loved the time he spent coaching for the St. Teresa boys’ and girls’ basketball teams.
His absolute favourite sport was harness racing. Following in his father’s footsteps he was a respected competitor within the horse racing community. He owned, trained and raised Standardbreds with exceptional skill and patience.
Most amazing is his network of family, friends and loved ones. From attending spring training for the St. Louis Cardinals in Florida, to vacationing in Alaska, he always managed to come across an old friend or acquaintance. But no matter how far he travelled, he always looked forward to returning home to the gang of local rednecks, farmers and tall tale tellers.
Barnett is survived by his wife, Jennifer; children, Bryan, Derek Schrishuhn, Chris (Sarah) Schrishuhn and Brittany (Chris) Wentworth; and grandchildren, Lillian, Avery ('Lil A) and Aspen. He was preceded in death by his parents.
At his request, there will be a celebration of his life on Saturday (April 11) at Warrensburg Sportsmen’s Club from 1 - 4 p.m. Casual attire is suggested; St. Louis Cardinals or Missouri Tigers colours would be his preference. Private graveside services will be in Boling Springs Cemetery, Decatur Ill. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to St Teresa High School or the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Department.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Larry Barnett.
(USTA)