Rodney L. Barnett

Rodney L. Barnett, of Newton, passed from this life Tuesday afternoon, May 10, 2016, at his home in rural Newton.

Rodney Leland Barnett, 79, was born March 31, 1937, near Sperry, Mo., the son of H. Leland and Faye (Collins) Barnett. He attended Love Valley country school, graduated from LaPlata High School and later from Truman State University (Northeast Missouri State Teachers College), with a bachelor and master degrees in industrial technology.

Rodney was married to Clara Trease and to this union his son Ron was born. Over the years he taught industrial technology in high schools in Higbee, Mo., and LaPlata, Mo., prior to moving to Newton in 1967, and teaching at the Newton Senior High, retiring in 1997.

On Aug. 22, 1986, Rodney was united in marriage with Ruth Mueller Sawin in Nevada. He was a longtime member of the Isaack Walton League and past member of ISEA and NEA. Rodney was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, he will be greatly missed by those who knew him. He enjoyed carpentry, electronics, computer repair, hunting and traveling. He could fix anything as Mr. Fix-It.

Rodney is survived by his wife Ruth of Newton; a son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Lisa Barnett of Ames; granddaughter, Lauren Barnett of Cedar Falls; sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Jack Mann of Belle Plaine; sisters-in-law, Margaret (Ben) Weir, Susan (Steve) Trebil and Jane Thompson; many nieces and nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister-in-law, Ann Krebs; and a brother-in-law, Bill Thompson.

A time of fellowship will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 17 at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, with a time of remembrance at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left in Rodney's name with his family or a charity of your choosing. Online condolences may be left at www.pencefh.com.