Obituary of Russell R. Barnett

Rusty Barnett Russell Rousseau "Rusty" Barnett died February 27th at his home in Felda. He was 69. Born in Lakeland in 1945, Rusty grew up in LaBelle and Pompano Beach. He spent much of his career in Tampa, where he worked at Tampa Volvo for many years. He later returned to LaBelle to join his family's farming business. Rusty was an avid reader and Florida history buff. He loved the woods and water, especially the Florida pine landscape. He built a tin-roof cracker house in Felda, where he blazed beautiful hiking trails through the palmetto scrub. He enjoyed boating, camping, and other outdoor adventures before he became ill. He played a mean game of horseshoes. He is survived by his daughter and his son, Cynthia Barnett and Mark Barnett, and six grandchildren, all of Gainesville; his two brothers, Randy Barnett and Jeff Barnett, both of LaBelle; his sister, Mindy Barnett of Gainesville; and his father, Ovid Barnett of Marco Island. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elsie Taylor Barnett, in 2005. Rusty's family and friends will celebrate his life on Saturday March 7th from noon to 4 p.m. at the home of Randy and Pam Barnett in LaBelle. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.