Elwood, IN:
Joe Allen Barnett, 78, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 in Indianapolis. Joe Allen was born on March 9, 1933 in Nineveh, IN to the late Benjamin Jokim and Ruby (Wells) Barnett. Joe Allen is a 1951 graduate of Nineveh High School. He also received continuing education from Franklin College, Butler University, and Ball State University majoring in Education. He married his love Marilyn Doan in March 1952.
Joe Allen served his country proud with being in the U.S. Army from July 1955 - July 1957. He was a Principal at Edgewood Elementary School in Elwood, IN for 26 years. Before becoming Principal he taught history and biology; then moved onward toward guidance and counseling; and then onto psychometrics, with a grand total of 36 years in education. He retired in 1993. Joe Allen''s family says he enjoyed all the years as an educator, especially the 26 years as an Elementary Principal. Although there were times he had to be a disciplinarian he loved the little children and watched them grow. Joe Allen was a 50+ year member with the Nineveh Lodge #317 F. & A.M.; a member since 1976 with The Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1590 in Tipton, IN; a past president of the Kiwanis in Elwood; a past member of the Elwood Country Club; worked many summers in the migrant program; and was the past president of the Wally Byam Caravan Club of the AirStream Association. He was a member of the East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood for many years; also being a Sunday school teacher and an Elder. He enjoyed camping and motor homes.
Joe Allen is survived by his loving wife Marilyn of 59 years; their son Michael S. Barnett; sister Marie Barnett Sands; and several nieces and nephews.
Joe Allen was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Marion Eugene Barnett and Jack Leroy Barnett.
Visitation will be on Friday, June 24, 2011 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 1977 S. State Rd. 135, Greenwood. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Roger Gardener officiating. Military Rites will be given by the local Honor Guard at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the East Main Street Christian Church Building Fund in Elwood. If you would like to sign the online guest book and/or send condolences to the family you may do so by visiting www.forestlawncemetery-fh.com.