Richard Lee Barnett, age 82, of Willard, Ohio, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Embassy Nursing Home in Willard, Ohio. He was born on October 27, 1943, in Plymouth Ohio to the late Bertie Edward Barnett and Bertha May (Tackett) Lykins. He was one of 15 siblings. He always said if someone's a Barnett or a Tackett, we are probably related.
Richard proudly served in the U.S. Army for a short time when he was very young. He worked many jobs in his life, including construction and mechanics. He spent most of his life tinkering with things. He could take apart any engine and put it back together again. He would even sometimes make improvements to the engine when reassembling it. He spent many years of his life living in a school bus that he had converted to a camper. He prided himself on planting trees, breeding unique chickens, and beautifying the valley where he lived in his camper-bus. He loved the outdoors, fishing, riding his bike, collecting treasures, and visiting family and friends. He was known around town for riding his bike everywhere. Later in life, he traded his bike for a scooter so he could continue his visits and treasure hunting. He was affectionately known at Embassy and Hospice as a "favorite" due to his sarcasm, sense of humor, and stubbornness.
He is survived by 4 children, David, Amy, Kortney, and Amanda; 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dear nephew, Thomas Saylers (Connie), who kept in touch with him the most in his later years.
In addition to his parents and many older siblings, he is preceded in death by a daughter, Rita Ball; and many other family and friends.
Burial will be private at Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven, Ohio. Online condolences may be made to Richard's family by visiting http://www.secorfuneralhomes.com