Mr. Joe L. Barnett, in his 57th year, made his transition to "That Happy World Above" on Sunday evening, March 17, 2013 from his home in Okmulgee.

He was born July 7, 1955 in Morris, Oklahoma to Lewis and Clara Barnett.

Joe Louis attended elementary school in Grayson and Morris, Oklahoma. He attended middle school at Dunbar Middle School and graduated from Okmulgee High School with the Class of 1973.

He received his BSE degee from Oklahoma Christian College in 1976. He attended graduate school at Northeastern State University and received a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1978.

Mr. Barnett was employed by the Okmulgee Public Schools in 1976, where he taught for 36 years. He loved teaching and was a dedicated educator.

Joe Louis was a member of NEA-OEA and the Okmulgee Classroom Teachers Association. He was past president elect, past vice-president, past Public Relations Chairperson and served on the Negotiation's team for OCTA. He has served as team leader for his team of teachers. He was chosen twice as "Okmulgee's Teacher of the Year" during his tenure. He became a member of "Who's Who Among Teachers" in 1995.

Mr. Barnett was a member of the Evening Light Saints Church of God, Hoffman, Oklahoma. He was a faithful member and served as janitor, Sunday School substitute teacher and song leader. He loved to help others and watch them prosper.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Barnett, his mother, Clara Bell Barnett-Phillips, his oldest brother, Lewis Barnett, Jr., and his oldest sister, Amelia Carrie Barnett-Porter.

He leaves to cherish his memory; three brothers, Carl Eugene Barnett [Alice], Donald Lorenzo Barnett and Adrian Bernard Barnett; three sisters, Derrie Lynn Fox [Harold], Doris Ann Barnett and Brinda Joyce Barnett and brother-in-law, Dwight Porter, Sr.; along with a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

A Wake for Mr. Barnett will be held on Friday from 6 PM until 8 PM at the Evening Light Saints Church of God in Okmulgee. Friends are encouraged to share with the family and pay respects during this time.

You may visit Mr. Barnett on Friday from 12 Noon until 5 PM at the Funeral Home.

A Graveside Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM in the Hawkins Cemetery at Hoffman, Oklahoma. Brother Lucas Warren will officiate.