Leo Francis Barnett

Leo Francis Barnett courageously left this world on November 6, 2021. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with strength and dignity.  Leo was born on October 24, 1934 to Elmer Barnett and Mary Carey-Barnett in Anaconda, Montana.  He attended school in Anaconda and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1953.   After graduation, he went to work at the Anaconda Company (ACM) as a carpenter and sheet metal worker. 

Leo met his wife Frieda Boyle in 1954 and was married on December 28, 1955 in a double wedding ceremony with best friends Chris and Frank Forsman.  Together they had three children; Daniel, Michael (Deceased), and Diana.

In 1963 Leo attended the Montana Highway Patrol School and in 1964 he received his first station in Billings.  In 1978 he was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Dillon, MT where he remained until 1987 when he retired from the Highway Patrol.  Leo went to work for the state as a Drivers Examiner in Bozeman and Helena.  Later he worked as a Project Manager for the state and retired in 1992.  Frieda and Leo moved to Hamilton, MT where he fulfilled a lifelong dream working as a caretaker on a ranch owned by his sister Jean and Ray Lorenz.  He remained there until his death on November 6th.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years Frieda; his son Daniel (Kim), daughter Diana, and sister Jean Lorenz.  In addition to his wife and children Leo is survived by five loving grandchildren Chad Barnett, Jennifer Barnett, Jessica Barnett, Joseph Carpenter and Nicholas Carpenter.  He was also privileged to have six great grandchildren Josie, Oliver, Jackson, Jude, Jett, and Jaeger. He is also survived by in laws Alberta (Larry), Shirley, Wilbur (Bonnie). Leo had many nieces, nephews, and cousins who all meant so much to him.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his infant son Michael, three brothers and their wives; Keith (Elaine), Arnold (Francis), and James (Ada), and two sisters Joyce and Tina Gaye.

Leo became an instant friend to those he met.  He leaves behind a lifetime of happy memories and will be dearly missed for his humor and kindness. 

A Celebration of Life will be hosted at the Elks Club, 203 State Street in Hamilton, MT. on November 21st at 2:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to https://www.stjude.org/promotion/impact-giving or Hospice of Hamilton.

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