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
Condolences
Everett Thomas Lewis - Jan 26, 2026
So Sorry To Hear Of The Passing Of Richard
VIOLA LUNA - Jan 14, 2026
PRAYERS OUT TO ALL HIS FAMILY - RIP MY FRIEND - VI LUNA
Marcia Vanderpool - Jan 7, 2026
I am so sorry about Uncle Richard. He was one of a kind and really loved his family and friends. He would help anyone just like my brother Brian. When I was little, he would put me on his lap and sing Brown eyed Girl by Van Morrison. He didn't have any children at that time and he would come to his mom's house and sing and dance with me. I was 5, he was a great uncle. I love you Uncle Richard.
Marcia Vanderpool - Jan 7, 2026
I am so sorry about Uncle Richard. He was one of a kind and really loved his family and friends. He would help anyone just like my brother Brian. When I was little, he would put me on his lap and sing Brown eyed Girl by Van Morrison. He didn't have any children at that time and he would come to his mom's house and sing and dance with me. I was 5, he was a great uncle. I love you Uncle Richard.
Mark & Tracey Barnett - Jan 6, 2026
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with all Richard's family and friends.
Dodie Carpenter - Jan 6, 2026
I knew Richard in his later years when he lived down on front Street. He was a really nice guy. He had a great sense of humor and would do anything for anybody. Loving hugs go to his children and any remaining family like grandchildren and great grandchildren that knew him may you fly high Richard you were a great man and a good friend.
Kenneth Dean Risner - Jan 6, 2026
Very sorry to hear of this