Thomas L. Barnett Sr.

Thomas LaVern Barnett Sr. was born to Herbert Jr. and Katie Mae Barnett on December 16, 1949. He departed this life on Monday, November 1, 2021 surrounded by his wife, Joy Louise, his son, Thomas Jr., sister, Nell and Pastor Curtis Bryant, Jr.

Thomas attended Joliet Public Schools and graduated from Joliet East High School in 1968. Upon graduation, he attended Mississippi Valley State College in Itta Bena, Mississippi.

Thomas began his career at Mobil Oil in 1972. During his professional career he worked as a Supervisor in Transportation and Supervisor in Maintenance, and as Fire Chief. On October 1, 2009, Thomas retired from ExxonMobil after 37 years of dedicated service. He enjoyed the retired lifestyle for one year. He was recruited by BP in Whiting, Indiana as a Fire & Safety consultant until 2014.

Thomas united in Holy Matrimony to Joy Louise Jefferson on August 31, 1974 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church by the late Rev. Dr. Isaac Singleton, Sr. To this union two children were born, Brandi and Thomas Jr.

Thomas accepted Christ at a young age and rededicated his life to Christ. In the early 1990’s he was ordained as a Deacon where he served alongside his father, Herbert Barnett, Jr. and his uncle, Grant Barnett. While serving on the Deacon Ministry, he also served as a Trustee Co-Chair.

Thomas loved watching The Andy Griffith Show and faithfully attending NHRA at Route 66 Drag Racing every June or July in Joliet, IL. He also enjoyed watching and attending different sporting events. Thomas cherished his friends and loved his family.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Deacon Herbert Barnett, Jr. and Deaconess Katie Mae Barnett; nephew, Arthur Barnett; and brothers-in-law, Cedric T. Jefferson and George Shaw.

Thomas leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 47 years, Joy Louise; his daughter, Brandi (Mark) and son, Thomas Jr. (Ashley); his grandsons whom he adored, Brandin Thomas, Ashton Thomas, and Austin Parker; three sisters, Herbie Jean Shaw (George - deceased), Debora Barnett and Nell (Calvin) Luckett.

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