The following was distributed to the Executive Officers, International Directors, International Board Committee Members and LCI Staff

To Executive Officers, International Directors, Board Committee Appointees

We regret to inform you that Lion John Barnett, Past Council Chair from Arkansas passed away on Thursday January 5 after suffering severe complications from a recent surgery.  His wife Wanda, and children were at his side.  The late PCC Barnett was a member of the Gavel Ridge Lions Club.  He was currently serving as a Multiple District GMT Coordinator. 

PCC Barnett will be remembered for his passionate approach and can-do attitude to get things done.  The late PCC Barnett and spouse, Wanda Barnett, Past District Governor, were instrumental in rebuilding a new playground at the Arkansas School for the Blind which became known as Brandon’s Playground; named in honor of the Barnett’s 12-year old nephew.  Many Lions who volunteered hundreds of hours of labor and monetary donations and a Lions Clubs Foundation grant helped to build the handicapped-accessible playground area.  Many other projects and associations benefited from his experience and determination; including the March of Dimes, Crime stoppers of Texarkana, the Salvation Army and United Way of Greater Texarkana, the Boy Scouts and Arkansas Commission for the Blind.  He was a true Lion and will be greatly missed.

Over the years Lion Barnett received numerous awards for his contributions to the association including several Presidential Awards.  He was also a Melvin Jones Fellow. 

Both he and Wanda were also founding members of LCI’s North American New Club Consultant Team, and they traveled extensively on their own time to help the association charter new clubs across the U.S.A. and bring a new generation into Lions.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday January 8 at the North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel, 1921 Main Street,  North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 9 at in the funeral home.  Burial will be in Mulberry Cemetery.  Online obituary and guest registry can be found at www.nrlfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gravel Ridge Lions Club, 202 Rita Drive, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076.

Condolences may also be addressed to:

Lion Wanda Barnett and family

Past District Governor

1500 Toltec Mounds Road

England, Arkansas 72046

Please remember the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Diane Keller

Executive Assistant

Executive Director's Office

Lions Clubs International

Oak Brook, Illinois USA

P-630-468-6792

F-630-706-9293