Alton Nelson Barnett's Obituary
Alton Nelson Barnett was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 16, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. Nelson (as known by his family, Alton to others) was born July 10, 1932 to Alton and Exa Barnett in Smith County, Texas.
Nelson was raised on a working farm where he started helping out as young as three years old. He spoke often of the shenanigans he and his sisters got into when working in the fields. Many times to the dismay of their father. Working hard came naturally to Nelson probably largely due to the expectations of his father whom he adored. He loved his Mama, Daddy and sisters fiercely.
He grew up attending Rose Hill Baptist Church his entire life in Mineola TX. He accepted Christ as his savior at a young age and lived his life knowing he was a child of God with a Heavenly home awaiting him. He was a simple man that did not need flowery talk or material things to make him happy. He loved his garden, took pride in his yard and could fix just about anything he put his mind to. He was most comfortable piddling outside in a pair of overalls more than he was anywhere else. As long as he was surrounded by family and friends and lots of sweets, he was good. He loved Dorothy with all his heart and in his last days could be heard asking “where is she” if she was not next to him in her chair. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather that left a wonderful legacy of honesty, loyalty and hard work with us all.
He never really had a chance when it came to love. Dorothy set her eyes on him when she was eleven and he was 16. They started dating in 1952 until Dad left to report to Army Boot Camp in 1953. They corresponded and spent each leave together until Nelson was finally back home in 1955. They married June 18, 1955 in a simple ceremony. Nelson soon went to work for United Gas Pipeline and that took the newlyweds to Jacksonville TX. There they were blessed with four children, Craig, Lisa, Tanny and Becky. While working and raising four children, he loved to fish, bowl and spend time outside. In 1969, the family was transferred to Koran, LA and this opened a great new chapter in their lives.
Living in Louisiana on the campground was a wonderful experience full of friends, a church full of love and memories galore. Hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, church fellowship and campground fun. The five years in Louisiana left us with lifetime friends that carry forward to this very day.
Nelson was transferred to Longview in 1973 and this has been home ever since. Home where the kids grew into adulthood, Nelson and Dorothy retired and enjoyed spending time traveling and watching their grandchildren grow up. They were active in each grandchild’s life in more wonderful ways than they could have ever known.
Nelson was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, George and Artie Tucker, sisters, Jean Gothard, Velma Shelton and Kathleen Robertson, his best friend, his son, Craig and son-in-law Lee McKibbin. He will also be greeted at the celebration of his arrival in Heaven by many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews and friends. We are blessed to know where he is now surrounded by joy beyond our comprehension.
Nelson is survived by his wife, his Sug, his heart of 69 years, Dorothy, daughters Lisa Sanders (Ricky), Tanny Hill (Thomas), Becky Hudgins (Kevin) and Gena Barnett (Craig). Grandchildren Wesley McKibbin (Ashley), Dawn Matlock (Sean), Tommy Hill (Elise), Daniel Barnett (Markie), Ryan McKibbin, Lucy McGauvran (Ron) ,Kade Hudgins, Kyle Hudgins (Kelsey), Keeley Hudgins, Emmet Sanders (Christina). Eight Great Grand Children with number nine on the way!
The family would like to give special thanks to Suzie and Anthony Hatten, Tabitha and Bryan Hall and son Wyatt, Bro. James Pierce and Rhonda, Nancy Alford, Amber Stevens and Mom’s partner in crime, Jere Brewster and countless other friends and family members that are too numerous to list for the daily visits, meals, cab service, check ins that provided more comfort and relief for our family than words could ever express.
God shined upon our family with the blessing of allowing us to keep Nelson home where he wanted to be until the end. That blessing’s name is Dawn. Without the dedication and determination of Dawn, we could not have managed. We are forever grateful for the love, kindness and understanding that she showed Dad and Mom and the entire family over the last few months.
And lastly, we would like everyone to know if you have stock in shredded cheddar, now is the time to sale because stock value is about to plummet. If you know, you know.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Concord Cemetery in Wood County, Texas, with Bro. James Pierce officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6-8 PM at the the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Alton?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alton?
Share a story where Alton's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alton you’ll never forget.
How did Alton make you smile?