Dennis “Denny” Barnett

Dennis “Denny” Ross Barnett

June 17, 1939 - Jan. 24, 2020

HOLBROOK, Neb. — Dennis “Denny” Ross Barnett passed away on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at his home at the age of 80. 

He was born June 17, 1939, on the family farm north of Holbrook, Neb., to Harold and Lela Barnett.  He grew up on the farm, attended two country schools (walking uphill both ways according to him) before attending Holbrook High School.

On June 24, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Warner. Four children blessed this union: Crystal, Denise, Dirk and Dennis. After high school, he worked for Holbrook Coop before they made their home in Cambridge, Neb., where he worked for the Kansas Nebraska Gas Company until 1973. Denny then moved to the family farm, where they raised their family. Here he was able to live his lifelong dream of farming and working hard like his father. Times weren’t always easy, but they always clung to one another for love and support and kept their bond strong. In later years he also worked for Gosper County Roads.

Most people knew him as Denny, but to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren he was known as Grandpa Ornery. No matter how busy he was, he always had time to pick on the kids and those who knew him were on their toes when Denny walked in the door.

Preceding him in death was his wonderful wife, Carolyn; his infant son, Dennis; his parents, Harold and Lela Barnett; sister, Carole Clary; father-in-law, Oscar Warner; mother-in-law, Leona Warner; brothers and sisters in-law, Rod and Audrey Warner, Lyman and Darlene Warner and Aimee Barnett.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Crystal (Mark) Berke of Kearney, Denise (Todd) Ogorzolka of Henderson and Dirk (Amy) Barnett of Funk; grandchildren, Shandra (Ryan) Minary of Henderson, Derik (Vanessa) Geisler of Andersen AFB, Guam, Megan Kembel of Henderson, Brandon (Tiffanee) Ogorzolka of Henderson, Ryan Geisler, Boe and Baylee Barnett of Funk. He also leaves behind 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Ron Barnett of Holbrook, Bob Barnett and friend, Jeanie Pelky of Norcatur, Kan., Kathy (Bill) Holliday of Aurora, LeAnn (Jim) Huxoll of Holbrook, and Mark Barnett of Tecumseh; and brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Vicky Warner of Funk. Also, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge on Jan. 28, 2020, with burial following at the Arapahoe Cemetery. A luncheon followed at the Holbrook Community Center in Holbrook.

Memorials may be left in his name at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge, Neb.

Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge is in charge of the arrangements.