Joe Barnett

Joe finished high school and post-graduated from Tacoma Vocational Technical School as an electronic technician in 1949. He then worked with the US Air Force Civil Service as an electronic technician at McChord Air Force Base. During this time, he studied engineering until he enrolled in the University of Washington, working repairing radios to pay for his tuition. He met Delma Ellis in 1952 at the recommendation of his sisters-in-law. After a long-distance courtship, Joe married Delma, the love of his life, at Boise Gospel Tabernacle in June, 1953, and returned to Washington to begin married life. At the time of Joe’s passing they had been married for 67 years.

Delma worked as a secretary at a bank to support them as Joe completed college. He graduated as an Electrical Engineer, and was forever grateful for the help and consistent support of his sweet wife as he pursued his education and career. In 1956, he and Delma moved to southern California. Their first born child, Gary, was born in 1959 while living in Lancaster, and 3 years later, Judy completed their family while living in Granada Hills, CA. Joe was a hard-working man, providing excellently for his family, and yet always took time to be involved with McDonnell Douglas Corp. He took a few years hiatus and worked at Vector Electronics as Head Engineer before returning to McDonnell-Douglas. At his retirement, Joe and Delma moved to Boise in 1993.

As mathematically and scientifically gifted as Joe was, he was also a very creative person. He enjoyed making up stories for his children and grandchildren, making music, and writing poems especially for Delma “his Dollie.” He was very talented in a variety of instruments, including piano, violin, guitar, and mandolin. He and Delma also often blessed their fellow congregants at church singing lovely duets together.

First and foremost, Joe’s heart was to sincerely serve God and His people. Joe grew up in a family that experienced many miracles, and was blessed to know Jesus and as his savior from an early age. It was therefore his life’s work to lead others to salvation and assist in ministry any way he could. While in Granada Hills, Joe taught Sunday School for the teen boys and taught Wednesday night Bible studies at a Japanese Presbyterian congregation, leading many to a deeper relationship with Christ and encouraging growth in the Holy Spirit. He willingly answered God’s call in his life in any way, whether doing door-to-door ministry, leading Bible studies in prisons, or continuing to lead Bible studies in their own home for years after. Joe was devoted to his family, work, and most of all, God.

Joe and Delma were a fun-loving couple who enjoyed entertaining, traveling, and spending time with their family. Joe set an excellent example of love for his whole family. His unwavering love for his wife was inspirational to many and his sold-out love of Christ made him a giant in the faith to all who knew him. Joe became the part of the 3rd generation of Christians in his family, and so far, leaves 3 more generations following the Lord. Joe is survived by his wife Delma, son Gary (Sheryl) Barnett, and his daughter Judy (Craig) Nowaski. He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren Stephen Nowaski, Linda (Nickolas) Coile, Jamie (Alan) Wiseman, Brionna Nowaski, and Abigael Nowaski, as well as 7 great-grandchildren: Josiah, Truman, Alden, Remington, Vivian, Tennyson, and Elias.

A service in celebration of Joe’s life will be held at 11:00 am September 19 at 1115 N Garden St., Boise, ID 83706 at River Valley Church. The service will also be available live-streamed on the church’s website, or it can be found at https://www.aldenwaggoner.com/joe-barnett . Family graveside service to follow at Terrace Lawn Cemetery in Boise. Flowers can be sent to 5400 W Fairview Ave, Boise, ID, 83706. Or, in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a Christian charity of your choice, in Joe’s honor.