John Paul Barnett

John Paul Barnett, age 48, of Benton, AR, completed his journey in this life on November 12, 2022. Eleven days shy of a year since the love of his life, Jennifer’s passing. They had a love like Johnny and June! When she left this world a piece of his heart went with her. There is no doubt that she along with his other great love, his mother, Fran, were there awaiting him with open arms. Certainly now his soul is at peace.

John was born March 7, 1974 to Ronald and Frances Barnett. He is preceded in death by his mother, Frances Barnett, and his wife of over 18 years, Jennifer Barnett. As well as his grandparents: A.P. and Mattie Burchfield, Mildred Alison and Wilbert Barnett.

He is survived by his children: Sydney Barnett, Kelsey May and Silas Barnett; his siblings, Ron Barnett and spouse Daniel Johnson-Barnett, Julie Zellers and spouse Joey Zellers; John’s nieces and nephews: David Briggs-Barnett, Sarah Barnett, Jonah Barnett, Megan Barnett, Rhiannon Jones, and Heydyn Zellers.

John worked in heating and air for several years. Much like his dad, he shared a talent of being an amazing mechanic and handy man. He and his dad made countless memories building and working on cars over the years, both in his dad’s shop and later his own. As a general rule, the louder and faster, the better! His home sat on 10+ acres, and he could hunt off his front porch, if he wanted and absolutely did! John was a tried and true country boy and proud of it! He also loved his motorcycle, he and Jen rode together all the time. I’m certain they’ve found a backroad in heaven to ride on!

He was loved more then he ever realized. His nephew Heydyn said, “Uncle John was fun! He always took me on rides, and I loved staying over at his house!” His niece, Rhiannon shared a birthday with him, and with that alone the two always shared a special bond.

John had several friends over the years but like most he had a select few that were his true “Ride or Die”. To name a few: Chey Cantrell, Jake Skyeagle, Shane McGee, Shane Caple, Elizabeth Watts, Randy Kent, Rick Bagley, Lori Ashton, Teresa Griffin, Dawg Baldwin, and Kenny Riggins.
Each of these people played a special role in his life. Speaking to some of them they had this to say about John Paul: “He was brutally honest, kinda crazy but always a lot of fun! He was tough on the outside but really under that rough exterior he had a big heart!” “He was more like a brother then just a friend!” “If he had an ounce he’d stand on that ounce to your pound!”

Losing someone like him leaves a large void and God knows Those steel toed boots of his will be hard to fill!

A memorial service will be held December 1, 2022, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home from 4:00pm-6:00pm. There will also be a Facebook go live, for those who want to attend online. Please message his sister, Julie Zellers via messenger for attendance requests online.