In Loving Memory of Laurence "Larry" Everett Barnett

January 1, 1932 – August 28, 2025

Laurence "Larry" Everett Barnett passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, in Nampa, Idaho, surrounded by his wife and all his children. He was 93 years old.

Larry was born on January 1, 1932, in Regina, Saskatchewan to Lilly Ferguson Castree Barnett and Lynn Lawrence Barnett. He was the cherished brother of Lynn Barnett and Donna Garka. Larry fondly remembered his childhood in Moose Jaw, Manitoba, and Vancouver, B.C. He especially loved caring for his baby sister Donna, pushing her in her buggy around town, and waking early to listen to his favorite country singer and yodeler, Wilf Carter.

From an early age, Larry felt the call of adventure. At just 15, he left school and headed to Whitehorse, B.C., where he began working on a cruise ship traveling between Skagway and Whitehorse. He later served as a waiter and bedroom steward traveling between the Carmacks coal mine and Dawson City in the Yukon.

Eventually, he rejoined his parents in Whidbey Island, Washington. Eager to see more of the world, in 1952, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 20, famously asking, "How soon can you ship me out?" Three days later, he was on his way to Camp Roberts, California, for basic training. Near the end of training, he volunteered for a secret special operations unit—the elite 10th Special Forces Group. He was stationed in Bad Tölz, Germany, where he graduated jump school, completing 37 jumps out of C-47s and B-29s. In addition to jumping out of planes, he spent his time in Bad Tölz specializing in alpine warfare, including skiing and demolitions. He was honorably discharged in 1956 and returned to live with his parents in Seattle and work at The Boeing Company.

But it was in 1958 that Larry began what he described as the most important journey of his life — his walk with Jesus Christ. He became deeply involved with the Seattle Revival Center and quickly developed a lifelong friendship with Perry Wright, his first Christian brother in the faith. He dedicated himself to ministry, attending church services, preaching at street meetings, visiting rest homes, and doing mission work.

During this time, Larry also began working alongside Cecil Brotherton at the Cherry Street Chapel Mission — a man who would become not only a close friend but his father-in-law. Larry met Cecil's daughter, Nancy, at the mission and they were married on February 24, 1962. Larry often praised the Lord for Nancy, his precious gem, calling her "the greatest wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother." Together, they raised a loving family and built a life of purpose and faith.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Nancy E. Barnett; his children:

Craig Barnett (Melissa)

Linda Barnett

Teresa Barnett (Joe Zueger)

Becky Hartman (John)

He was a proud grandfather to Kristina, Stefan, Leroy, Saige, Trentan, Jenna, Cannon, Nikki, Brady, and Quin; and a great-grandfather to Illaina, Audrina, Payten, Huntlee, Trae, Charlee, and Brylee.

In 1968, Larry and Nancy moved to Imperial Beach, California, where Larry engaged in mission work across the border in Baja, transporting food, building materials, and supplies to orphanages and churches in Tijuana. A year later the family relocated to Caldwell, Idaho, where Larry worked as an industrial mechanic for The Amalgamated Sugar Company for 24 years.

Larry and Nancy became faithful members of Marsing Assembly of God, where they served for 25 years and built a lasting friendship with Pastors Brother and Sister Gillette. Larry served in many roles over the years — Sunday School teacher, superintendent, associate pastor, and interim pastor. After their time at Marsing Assembly, they began attending Calvary Chapel in Boise.

Throughout his life, Larry remained grounded in his faith. He often said that serving the Lord had brought him his greatest joy. He made many friends and believed that each day was a new beginning in Christ. One piece of wisdom from his father stayed with him for life: "If you're in any trouble and don't know how to pray, just whisper the name of Jesus — and He will be there for you." Larry lived by that truth throughout his life. Jesus was his hope, his strength, his life, his all in all, from everlasting to everlasting. Jesus never failed him.

Larry's hope, his joy, his life — was in Christ.

A funeral service will be held to honor Larry's remarkable life of faith, service, and love on September 26, 2025 at 10 am at Nampa Funeral Home Yraguen Chapel at 415 12th Ave. South, Nampa, Idaho. Interment will follow at 1 pm at the Idaho State Veteran's Cemetery in Boise, Idaho. The family will host a reception from 3:30-6:00 pm at 722 North Cambridge, Nampa.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Boise Rescue Mission Ministries.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

— 2 Timothy 4:7

"Though wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3

Well done, good and faithful servant. You are finally home. Enter into the joy of your Lord.

To live stream the service for Larry Barnett CLICK HERE