Mirl E. Barnett, 86, Rexford, passed away February 21, 2020 at Prairie Senior Living, Colby.
He was born on August 17, 1933 on the family farm in Thomas County, Kansas north of Rexford, to Jesse E. and Edna F. (Chadd) Barnett. He was a 1951 graduate of Rexford High School.
Mirl married Evelyn W. Walters on September 27, 1952, in Rexford, Kansas. Throughout his life he was a farmer as well as the feed mill operator for COOP. In addition, he spent many years driving trucks for Short & Son, and M & A Barnett Trucking. After retirement, he hauled grain for Wark Farms and was the caretaker of the Rexford Cemetery.
He was a lifelong race fan. He began his driving career in 1954, one of his highlights was driving for Lonnie Morosic out of McCook, Nebraska in the propane powered #9 Sprint Car. He was inducted into the Big Car Racing Association Hall of Fame on June 14, 2013. He was extremely proud of this accomplishment.
Survivors include his wife, Evelyn of 67 years of Rexford, Kansas; one son, Troy Barnett and his wife Connie of Elkhart, Kansas; two daughters, Kandi Washburn and husband Fred of Hoxie and Kris Hagans and husband Kirby of Wellington, Kansas; one sister, Opal Moss and husband Earl of Hoxie, Kansas; four grandchildren: Steve Washburn and wife Amber of Gorham, Kansas, Shawna Martinez and husband Lolo of Hobbs, New Mexico, Amy Brillhart and husband Dusty of Elkhart, Kansas, and Kade Hagans of Hays, Kansas; eight great-grandchildren: Ashtyn Washburn, Easton Washburn, Danzy Martinez, Izabelle Martinez, Zander Martinez, Madyson Brillhart, Mason Brillhart, and Emmalyn Brillhart.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Roy Barnett (in infancy, Elgin Barnett, Darrell Barnett; one sister, Virginia Allison; one grandson, Jason Barnett and one great-grandson, Zalin Martinez.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at the Rexford Community Church. Burial will follow at the Rexford Cemetery. Visitation will be 1-7:00 pm Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Pauls Funeral Home, Selden. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rexford Community Church, 205 Main St., Rexford, KS 67753. Condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com