HOLTON- Howard Thomas Barnett, 88, Holton, KS, formerly of Arrington, KS, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023 at The Pines. He was born April 2, 1935 in Muscotah, KS, the youngest of Luther and Margaret (Thomas) Barnett.

Howard graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1952. He proudly served in the United States Army from January 1956 until October 1957.

He was a life-long farmer and stockman in the Muscotah and Arrington community, until 2012 when they moved to Holton. He was a member of Holton Evangel (formerly, Evangel United Methodist Church) and former 4-H leader. Howard also served on the ACCHS School Board, and Atchison County Livestock Association.

Howard married Crystelle Beth Gilkison on October 24, 1958 in Valley Falls, KS. They celebrated over 63 years of marriage before her passing on October 14, 2022. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Margaret Barnett; 3 sisters, Onita Brooks, Beatrice Ray, and Helen Abramson; 2 brothers, Philip and Norman Barnett.

Survivors include his daughter, Melissa Frost (Greg) of Lawrence, KS; 4 sons, Alan Barnett (Kathy) of Arrington, KS, Arthur Barnett of Lenexa, KS, Andy Barnett (Sheryl) of Valley Falls, KS and Aaron Barnett (Erin) of Lee's Summit, MO; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren, and 3 more on the way.

Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 4, 2023 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at Muscotah Cemetery. Family will greet friends Wednesday evening from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the Jackson County Senior Citizen's Center or Jackson County Honor Flight c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.