Township Trustee passes away

If there was an Owen County Commissioners, Owen County Council meeting or legislative breakfast, you were likely to see Barron Barnett.

And, you were likely to hear him speak up about a myriad of issues—taxes, regionalism, representation and more.

Barnett, who had become a staple at these sort of meetings, passed away suddenly earlier this month. He was the Jackson Township Trustee at the time of his passing.

During the July 17 commissioners meeting, the first government meeting since Barnett's passing, Sam Hobbs, president of the commissioners, asked for others to keep Barnett's wife Martha and his family in their prayers. He also took a moment to remember Barnett.

"Barron Barnett was very active, very active in the meetings. You've got to give Barron due diligence," Hobbs said. "That guy, he showed up to every meeting and always had something to say."

County Council President Polly Chesser also shared her appreciation for Barnett's level of engagement with local government. Chesser had spoken to Barnett earlier on the day of his passing.

"It was very sad the first commissioners meeting I went into and he wasn't there, and there was a big hole because he's always been so good about coming to all the council meetings and the commissioners meetings. He was very engaged. He took his township trustee position very seriously," Chesser said.

Chesser recalled many speeches that Barnett gave at the meetings, including one citing concerns of regionalism that could take away the voice of local residents.

"He was engaged, and that was very commendable," Chesser said.

After beginning to serve as Jackson Township Trustee, Barnett gave the far northwest part of Owen County a voice as decisions were being made.

"Owen County has lost a truly good one, far too soon. I had the pleasure of getting to know Barron well over the last year. Barron's exceptional management and innovative thinking as Jackson Township Trustee, and his dedication to the Republican Party left a lasting, positive impact," Owen County Republican Party Chair Kristi Risk said. "His caring demeanor and witty humor connected with many. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of thoughtful leadership and kindness will undoubtedly live on."

Risk said that details for a caucus to fill the Jackson Township Trustee seat will be posted on the party's Facebook page. Residents of Jackson Township that are interested in being considered for candidacy and are Republicans in good standing should contact Risk via email at ocgopchair@gmail.com or via text at 812-821-2490. Risk said all candidates will be vetted for party affiliation.

Barnett's friend Ernie DuFault, who also frequently attends government meetings, spoke about Barnett during the July 21 county council meeting.

"A lot of you in this audience know Barron Barnett, and you know his tenacity for making things happen. He was a strong advocate for the county, worked for the county for a long time in different positions," DuFault said. "He had a lot of drive, and he touched everybody, I think, in this room in one fashion or another. So, as my friend, he'll be dearly missed."