Thomas Clair Barnett was born in Palo Alto, California on July 9, 1952. He was the second of five children born to Charles Barnett and Mildred Everett. During Tom's middle school years, his father Charlie left the Bay Area in a transfer with AT&T to the Central Valley of California, where Tom completed high school and college. During those years, he ran cross-country at the state level, often training barefoot in the fig orchards surrounding his neighborhood. While in college, Tom served as Private 2 nd Class in the Army Reserves. It was during those years of reserve duty that God called him into ministry.

Tom met his wife, Lynann Patton, at California State University in Fresno. They married on August 2, 1980 and had many adventures over almost 46 years together.

Tom served in seven Episcopal dioceses across the country from coast to coast and north to south: San Joaquin, Missouri, Springfield, Wisconsin, East Carolina, Southern Ohio and Atlanta. He ministered to ten parishes, over 46 years, even into retirement: St. Paul's- Bakersfield, St. Andrew's—Taft, St. Matthew's—St Louis, St. Michael & St. George—St Louis, Christ Church--- Springfield (IL), St. Matthias—Waukesha, St. John's—Wilmington (NC), Trinity—Coshocton, St. Andrews in the Pines—Peachtree City and St. Julian's—Douglasville.

Tom's passion for knowledge never abated. His academic pursuits included: a Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry from the University of the South at Sewanee and a Ph.D. in American Studies at St. Louis University.

Tom served his country as well as his God. He became a chaplain, first in the Air Force Reserves at Vandenburg Air Force Base in California. After moving to St. Louis, he transferred to the Air National Guard as a chaplain at Jefferson Barracks and the 131 st Fighter Wing at Lambert. During his time at the 131 st , Tom was adopted by the Civil Engineers and Security Police who nicknamed him Hellfighter and took him along on several out-of-country deployments. He was activated after 9/11 and then would have a final assignment as a liaison to the Pacific Air Command Headquarters in Honolulu. Tom retired as a Colonel after 28 years.

Tom's hobbies included expanding his repertoire of jokes, grilling and smoking meat, and doing a 'big cook'. He searched for just the right recipe each time, always making enough to share with family and friends. Tom's book collection centered on theology, history and ministry. He enjoyed discussions on numerous topics and could cite sources with ease.

Tom loved his children to the core, challenging them to excel while providing them with the confidence and affirmation to do so. He cherished Anastasia, Jackie and Fletcher—reminding them that he 'loved them more than their mother did'. Tom was provocative and memorable with great intention; 'I want to leave a huge footprint in their lives.' He was starting to make such an impression on his young grandchildren Norah, Lillian, Charles, Callan, and Liam—before he left them much too soon.

Most of all, Tom was known for connecting with people in such a way that each person felt seen and heard. He truly cared about their stories and their lives. We are filled with gratitude to have been a part of Tom's marvelous journey here on earth.

Marietta Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Thomas Clair Barnett