Marvin Barnett, 82, of Gem, KS, died Wednesday, February 22, 2023. He
was a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Farmer, Rancher and serial
Entrepreneur. But first and foremost, Marvin loved the Lord.
Marvin was born on January 12, 1941, to Ralph and Velma Barnett on their
family’s farm north of Gem, KS, where he grew up with his older
brother, Ron, and his younger brother, Bill. Their parents taught the
boys the value of hard work, and how to work on a farm.
But Marvin was also mischievous, such as the time he watched a movie
about Mohicans, after which he gave himself a reverse Mohawk haircut and
shaved his eyebrows, the day before grade school pictures.
Marvin graduated from Colby High School, Colby, KS, in 1959, where he
played football and was active in plays. He loved riding horses.
Colby High is where he met the love of his life, Alberta Schielke
“Topper," whom he married shortly after graduation, and with whom he had
two strong, smart and successful daughters.
Marvin attended Kansas State University, considering the study of
veterinary medicine. So, Marvin and Topper moved to Manhattan. But his
business and traveling spirit took him on another path.
Shortly after Kansas State, Marvin owned and managed gas stations, first
in Atwood, KS and then in downtown Wichita. He also attended trade
school and earned an associate degree in drafting.
While Marvin and Topper were in Wichita in the 1960’s, Marvin began to
work for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. As part of this job, Marvin
occasionally worked with Vern Miller, the Sedgwick County Sheriff, who
eventually became the Kansas Attorney General. He also worked as a store
detective for G.E.M., in Wichita and Wichita Falls, TX.
Marvin went back into business, as a salesman for Speed King, selling
agricultural related equipment, beginning in Dodge City, but eventually
Marvin and Topper went to Georgia. Marvin loved sales. In his sales
career, Marvin sold all over the Midwestern and Eastern U.S., plus
across Canada. For example, he called on a Georgia farm, run by Billy
and Jimmy Carter, who eventually became the U.S. President.
Marvin was hired away by Kraus Manufacturing, again in agricultural sales, and was transferred to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Marvin was lured back to Kansas by R & R Manufacturing, in Pratt,
KS, where he became the general manager of its manufacturing operations.
While in Pratt, Marvin started farming again and had a hog operation.
In the early 1980’s, Marvin’s brother Bill decided to begin a full-time
Christian ministry, so Marvin and Topper moved back to Gem, to take over
the family farm. Marvin was a very successful farmer.
But Marvin still had his business spirits. Marvin and Topper started an
over the road trucking company, M & A Barnett Trucking, Co. The
company eventually had multiple trucks, running over the road, coast to
coast, all operated out of a converted garage north of Gem. Marvin and
topper eventually sold the trucking company and for the last few years
have been retired from farming, enjoying watching their daughters become
strong professional women, and their grandson become an engineer.
Marvin was predeceased by his father Ralph Woodrow Barnett; his mother,
Velma Florene (Schiffer) Barnett; and his brother Ralph William Barnett.
He is survived by his wife, Alberta Clara (Schielke) Barnett and brother
Ronald Ray Barnett (Norma), of Eaton, CO. He is also survived by his
daughter, Debra Lee Barnett (William Woolley), of Wichita; daughter,
Deanna Louise Barnett (Tom Short), of Dodge City; Deb and William’s son;
Tom’s children; and foster daughter, Kim Fiedler (Bill), of Lansing,
KS.
A private family memorial service will take place. The family requests
that you make a donation to the charity of your choice, in Marvin’s name
and memory. For information or condolences visit
www.baalmannmortuary.com