Jack Hartwell Barnett

Jack Hartwell Barnett, of Wrightsboro, TX, went home to his Lord and Savior on December 20, 2023, at the age of 86.

Jack was born on October 23, 1937, to Hartwell and Cornelia Barnett in Wrightsboro, Texas. He grew up in Wrightsboro on the family farm and learned the true definition of hard work at an early age. Jack was brought up in a Godly home where his mother ensured he attended church. As a young boy, Jack accepted Jesus Christ into his life and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Wrightsboro.

Jack graduated from Gonzales High School in 1956. He spent his high school years playing baseball, where he was arguably one of the best players to come through during his time. After high school, Jack worked for Western Hatchery for some time and then went on to work for his uncle, Morgan Buchanan, affectionately known as “Big Morgan,” and the Sample Brothers in the farming and ranching industry. Interestingly, Jack was offered a scholarship to go play college baseball at the University of Texas in Austin, which he turned down to stay in Gonzales because he fell in love with a girl named Peggy Sue. Jack and Peggy were married on October 25, 1958, and later welcomed their four boys into the world: Morgan, Mike, Mark, and David.

After years in the workforce, Jack still had a deep love for the game of baseball. To pacify his longing to play again, Jack joined the Gonzales Men’s Softball League, where he showcased his pitching and hitting skills. He went on to coach his sons in little league and was referred to as “Coach Jack” by many youth growing up in the late ‘60’s to the early ‘80’s.

Jack also spent nine years in the Army National Guard and continued to be a proud American throughout the remainder of his life. His love for God and country dates back many years as Jack is the great-grandson of one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Dr. George Washington Barnett. In addition to being a proud Texan, Jack was an avid Gonzales Apache fan. He loved Apache athletics and oftentimes offered his two cents to any of the coaches who were willing to lend him their ear. He frequently found his way into the office of the Athletic Directors to offer them “Coach Jack’s (unsolicited) Words of Wisdom.”

Jack is survived by his sons, Morgan Barnett of Wrightsboro, TX, Mike Barnett (Dusty) of Brock, TX, Mark Barnett of Austin, TX, and David Barnett (Julie) of San Marcos, TX; grandchildren, Brittany Salazar (Kevin) of Goliad, TX, Emily Connor (Eric) of Gonzales, TX, Tarah Parsons of Austin, TX, Jon Barnett (Taylor) of Brock, TX, and Ryan Barnett of San Marcos, TX; great-grandchildren Kennedy Salazar, Mason Connor, Evelyn Connor, Kase Salazar, Morgan Connor, Baker Salazar, Bay Barnett, and Bowen Barnett.

Jack is preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Sue Barnett, parents, Hartwell and Cornelia Barnett, sister, Georgia Sue Parker, beloved aunt and uncle, Morgan and Susie Buchanan, and daughter-in-law, Jill Barnett, all of Wrightsboro, TX.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 5-7 PM at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Wrightsboro Cemetery in Wrightsboro, TX with Reverend Marvin Miles officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wrightsboro Cemetery Association.

Pallbearers will include Russell Howell, Blair Howell, Jon Barnett, Ryan Barnett, Kevin Salazar, and Eric Connor.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Texan Nursing & Rehab and to Ashley Cerda and Josie De La Rosa for taking great care of Jack.

Seydler-Hill Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.