Richard Christian Bernet

Richard C Bernet went to be with his Lord early Sunday February 4, 2018 at age 86. Dick was born January 26, 1932. Dick was the middle of three brothers who loved sports because their father said it kept them out of the pool hall. Dick graduated from Highland Park High School, a captain of the football team, and lettered in basketball and track. His mother was Mary Elizabeth Levis and father AE Bernet Jr., a strong man who ran his home like a ship, learned from his days at the Naval Academy. Music was always part of Dick’s life, beginning in junior high with Bob Irby and the Hilltop Ramblers, continuing through SMU and the Cell Block Seven, later the Dixieland Seven, Dixie River Rats, Tommy Loy’s Upper Dallas Jazz Band, Levee Singers and Dallas Banjo Band.

A member of Phi Delta Theta, he attended SMU via a full track scholarship, pole vaulting for the mustangs. In 1956, Dick went to the Air Force, achieving the rank of captain and flying the first jets of the US Air Force. Finishing his military career in 1959, Dick joined his father’s successful stock brokerage business with Schneider Bernet & Hickman in Dallas.

Dick was active member of Grace Bible Church and participated in Bible Study Fellowship, Christian Business Men’s Committee and a docent at Frontiers of Flight Museum.

A man of immense musical talent, his kind spirit, captivating smile, passion for good and true gentleman qualities will be missed.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, JoAnna; sons Rick Carrell (Mary Elizabeth), Dr. Tom Carrell (Gable); step son Greg Seitz; daughters Libby Miller (Scott) and Tina Allen (Mike). Fourteen grandchildren: Sam and Jake Carrell, Newman (Avery), Marshall (Dani) and Payton Carrell, Dodson and Dutch Seitz, Brooke, Merit, Will and Travis Miller; Micah, Molly and Caleb Hodges; and two great grandchildren. Dick is also survived by his brother Ed Bernet and wife Susie.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, February 12, 2018, 6:00-8:00 PM at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home. Memorial Service will be held on February 13, 2018, 2:00 PM at Grace Bible Church, 11306 Inwood Road, Dallas, Texas.