Francis Barnett

Valley Hills Funeral Home May rest and eternal peace be granted to our beloved husband and father Francis (Frank) Barnett. Born the oldest of 10 brothers and sisters, Frank began life helping his father clear ground along the Yakima River. He entered high school enjoying the sport of boxing and also cars. Along the way he met and married Lena Belle Caraway, a union that would last 64 years. Shortly after marriage, Frank departed for a US Navy tour, returning in 1955 to work in retail stores and shops in and around Toppenish, Wa. He soon settled on the field of auto and equipment sales, and remained so occupied until his retirement in 1991. Frank was an active and energetic man in his younger life. But in 1967 he was involved in a critically injuring car accident that left him still alive but with limited mobility and aching joints. After rehabilitation Frank bought his own car lot along East Toppenish Ave. He was a car salesman and as such acquired some of the unenviable traits of the profession. Above his desk was written the sign: “IN GOD WE TRUST, all others pay cash.” He also proffered that he could win car sales by “Making them an offer they can’t refuse.” Frank however was an honest man who prided himself in keeping his checkbook balanced and being beholden to no one. Our family cannot recall him ever being accosted by an angry customer, or being claimed a liar or cheat. Frank retired his private car dealership in 1975 and went to work for Pabisz Motors in Toppenish. He remained so employed for the rest of his auto sales career. Frank and Lena entered retirement living in their house on Emerald Lane outside of Toppenish. They were a social couple who had many parties at their house with many friends invited. Our dad liked his steaks 3 ways, done, well done, and well well done. He was not much for fish or anything outside the pork, beef, and chicken food group. The house on Emerald Lane slowly became too much for them, and so they moved to the Sun Country Estates retirement community in 2000. Frank and Lena continued to enjoy retirement via travels to Lincoln City and over to Western Wa. to visit their children Dianne and Michael. After 15 or so years of blissful retirement, Frank’s health began to decline. His vision was limited, appetite limited, and mobility very limited. These attacks continued with relentless persistence, leaving him weak, helpless, and dying. On the day of Jan. 25, 2016 he was visited by several treasured sisters and relations. On that same day he received the final sacrament of Christ from Father John Shaw. A blessed day was held and on that night he went to sleep soundly with peaceful countenance and regular breathing. He would not wake again and was taken to heaven sometime in the early morning of January 26, 2016. Frank was preceded in death by beloved brothers David, Bill, and Gene. He leaves behind to remember him on earth wife Lena, daughter Dianne, son Michael, grandsons Ryan, Mark, and Stephen, and granddaughter Brianna. He also leaves behind blessed sisters JoAnne, Virginia, Gracie, and Mary Jane, and also brothers Michael and Joseph. Quick on thy journey to heaven goes Francis Albert Barnett, and no more honest and decent man will ever enter God’s rest. Our dad’s funeral will be held at St. Aloysius Church, Toppenish, Wa., 1:00 PM Feb. 1, 2016. Burial services will be held at Zillah Cemetery following the main service with military honors. Online condolences to the family can be left at www.valleyhillsfh.com. Arrangements by Valley Hills Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Francis Barnett, please visit our flower store.