Thomas Edwin Barnett

A native of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Tom was a 1953 graduate of Shawnee High School and went on to graduate from Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Employment with General Electric brought him to Decatur, Illinois, where he furthered his lifetime love of music, becoming proficient in both piano and drums. This led to numerous performances with several Jazz groups in Decatur, St. Louis, and Oklahoma City, including sessions with legendary saxophone great, Boots Randolph.

Tom joined the United States Marine Corp in the 1960’s fulfilling his service duties in Camp Pendleton, California. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Oklahoma, and a starting position in the warehouse at Oilfield Specialty Distributers, Inc. (OSD). Working by day and attending classes in the evenings, he received a business degree in 1972 from Oklahoma City University School of Business. Working his way through the ranks, Tom dedicated himself to learning all facets of the operations of OSD, and over time, his broad knowledge and dedication to excellent service, elevated him to becoming the owner and CEO of the company.

Along with those accomplishments, Tom’s stellar reputation with customers, vendors, employees and friends will remain among his greatest legacies. His kindness, loyalty and honesty, along with a terrific sense of humor, is warmly remembered by family, friends and colleagues. Tom, affectionately known as “Mr. Oilfield”, and described by his closest business associate as “well known for his honesty…his handshake was his word and you could take it to the bank… …rarely lost his temper, always even keel…even in the midst of turmoil…great teacher, great friend, great boss, among the finest men I have ever met.”

In addition to his love for jazz music, Tom became an avid OU football fan in the early 1950’s while volunteering as an usher at Owen Field, and his love for Sooner football remained throughout his life. Tom’s interests included golf, watching PGA tournaments, and grilling. He is especially known for his famous barbequed smoked brisket. In addition, he was a 32nd degree Freemason and a member of the Scottish Rite.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carlice Irions Barnett, and his parents, Corynne & Bodie Barnett, and is survived by his children Billy Joe Hinchey, Sr. (Patty), Jimmy Carl Hill, and Lisa H. Crye (Harold); grandchildren Mary Modenessi, Monica Hinchey, Billy Joe Hinchey, Jr., Jason Hill and Cody Crye; great grandchildren Tre Hinchey, Jourdyn Hinchey, Jacob Hill, Bryson Modenessi, Donovan Hinchey, Zayvier Modenessi, and Payton Hinchey; sister Rosemary Hester, niece Gayla Hester, nephew Russ Hester (Amber); great nephew Logan Hester, and great nieces Elizabeth Hester, Rachel Hester, and Jenna Christian (Cam).

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date when it is once again safe to gather.