Robert L. Barnett Sr.

Robert L. Barnett, Sr., age 84, of Saucier, Mississippi, was born in Columbia, Mississippi, and passed away peacefully at his home on October 14, 2025.

Robert was a wonderful and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose kindness, humor, and passion for life touched everyone who knew him. He was a man who believed in hard work, family, and fun, and he lived each day to the fullest. A mechanic by trade and a racer at heart, Robert’s greatest joy came from the thrill of drag racing. He built and raced cars for many years, pouring his skill and spirit into every project.

When he wasn’t under the hood of a car, Robert could often be found outdoors fishing, boating, camping, or riding four-wheelers. He loved the open road, a good laugh, and a friendly game of pool. No matter what he was doing, he found joy in life’s simple moments and in the company of those he loved most.

He will be remembered for his generous heart, his easygoing smile, and the way he could make anyone feel welcome. Robert had a special gift for bringing people together and creating lasting memories filled with laughter and love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver S. and Clara Barnett of Biloxi, MS; his brother, Howard Barnett of Long Beach, MS; his sister, Betty Sue House of Biloxi, MS; and his grandson, Grant Hickman of Wiggins, MS.

Robert leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years, Juanita Cowart Barnett; his children, Lesia Hickman of McHenry, MS, Robert (Monique) Barnett, Jr. of Saucier, MS, and Steven (Chantal) Barnett of Lizana, MS; and his cherished grandchildren, Cody (Jessica) Hickman, Dustin Hickman, Robbie Barnett, Cory Barnett, Sabra Barnett, Sadie (Andy) Atkinson, Ashley Altman, and Dominque (Amber) Lambert; his brothers Tommy (Eleene) Barnett of Saucier, MS., and JC Barnett of Woolmarket, MS. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear family members who brought him endless pride and happiness.

Thank you to our special second family, Paul and Rebecca Looney, PJ Looney, and Amber Looney and her children — Jaz, Jaylee, Adalee, Ayzlee, Jase, and Enzley — for the love, kindness, and companionship they shared with Robert. Their love and care brought him great comfort and joy in his later years.

To honor Robert’s life, pallbearers will be Robert Barnett Jr., Paul Looney, PJ Looney, Cody Hickman, Dustin Hickman, and Evan Locklear.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Saturday, October 18, 2025, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Following the service, interment will take place at Finley Cemetery, where family and friends will gather to celebrate and remember a life well-lived.

Please feel free to share memories and offer condolences at www.riemannfamily.com

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the Barnett family.