Jerry Lee Barnett, 76, died Saturday, September 19, 2015 at the St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.
He leaves his wife of 55 years, Ruby “Jo” Barnett; sister Barbara Ann Ferguson; daughters Jodie and Jill Barnett, and Kimberly Martin; granddaughter Miranda Barnett; grandson, Christopher Barnett; and those who called him dad or who viewed him as a father-like figure. Born April 14, 1939, on Flint Hill in Spencer County, Indiana, to Irene Alberta and Durward Barnett, Jerry was raised in Dale, Indiana.
In early years, Jerry worked at the Dale Cemetery and operated a local Service Station. After graduating from Dale High School in 1957, Jerry worked at the Jasper Novelty Store, Atlas Sewing Center and the GC Murphy Company until he joined the 100th Division Training in the Army Reserves at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
He served at Fort Chaffey, Arkansas where he trained troops and in 1962 he was released from the army and returned to GC Murphy Company in Salem. While in Salem, Jerry worked at Dougherty Motor Sales and then Moore’s Motors.
In 1970, he opened Jerry Barnett Motors and later opened up Salem Putt Putt. In 1983 he sold his business and worked briefly at the LeMarr Farms and then at Lido Meats. In 1985, Jerry worked at the State Bank of Salem and later served as the Branch Manager until 1993.
During this time, Jerry served as the President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce for two years. After leaving the bank, Jerry purchased and operated the Northside Home Improvement Store until he retired in March 31, 2010.
Jerry was a member of the American Legion and the Salem Presbyterian Church. The family asks that any contributions on behalf of Jerry be submitted to the Salem Presbyterian Church or the Community Foundation.
Jerry is preceded in death by both parents; brother Donald Barnett; daughter Kristie Barnett; and granddaughter Daryn Barnett.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday October 3, 2015 at 12 noon at the Dawalt Funeral Home in Salem.
Friends are invited to call from 10 am until the time of service on Saturday. Interment will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.
