Lawrence Thornton Barnett

Lawrence Thornton Barnett, Jr. relocated to Heaven on September 25, 2013. Larry, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Galveston, Texas, on February 19, 1934 to L.T. Barnett, Sr. and Theresa Irene Barnett of Texas City, Texas. Larry was a longtime resident of Austin, Texas.

Larry attended Texas City High School where he earned a basketball scholarship to Wharton Junior College. After leaving Wharton, Larry set his sights on the University of Texas at Austin. Post enrollment he placed his academic career on hold in order to serve two years in the Army as Specialist during the Korean Conflict. Upon receiving an honorable discharge Larry returned to the University of Texas, completed his studies and graduated with a BS in Geology. With degree in hand Larry began to forge a career in Central Texas Real Estate receiving numerous accolades and honors in both the residential and commercial industry. Larry was distinguished as the first recipient of the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation in Austin. In addition to real estate Larry participated in the intricacies of the Texas Oil and Gas industry as a Land Man.

Larry was the quintessential, dyed-in-the-wool, Texas Longhorn and could be found on college football game day sitting in the stands or squarely in front of a radio or television cheering on his beloved Longhorns. Larry also had a love for the arts; he was an ardent admirer of the classical artists, the Three Tenors and honed his own talents with singing Schubert's "Ave Maria" in Latin.

Larry had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. He visited Europe and Greece but his favorite destination was the peaceful shores of Hawaii and many memories were made on the islands with his travel buddy and wife, Callie. Larry also had a love for dance and was very much at home on the ballroom floor. Larry loved his home and his two faithful, canine companions, Cuddles and Honey Bunny, and enjoyed all that life brought him.

Larry met his wife of forty years, Callie Schaefer Meyer, in 1974 and the two of them blended their hearts and homes as loving and proud parents and grandparents. Larry's legacy will live on in his sons: Trey Barnett and wife Micki of Spring, Texas, Tim Barnett and wife Ninna of Houston, Texas, Stephen Barnett and wife Patricia of Meridian, Texas, Blake Meyer and wife Janet of Austin, Texas and Missy Meyer Gattis of Richmond, Texas. Larry's and Callie's thirteen grandchildren will continue in their grandfather's footsteps as they all have inherited his sense of adventure, love for the arts and education and a very witty sense of humor.

Larry was greeted in Heaven by his parents, L.T. and Theresa Irene and younger brother Julian in what was surely a joyous reunion. Larry's sisters, Sonja Angelo and husband Jack of La Porte, Texas and Timothy Ann Perfect and husband Doug of La Porte, Texas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, will continue to keep Larry's memory alive in their hearts until they are all gathered together again.

Larry's wife, Callie, extends heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Dr. Ace Alsup and Dr. Kunjan Bhatt for their constant devotion to Larry's health and well-being as well as the doctors and staff at the Heart Hospital of Austin for their unwavering care and support during the course of Larry's treatment. Larry and Callie have been blessed with many special friends who have been a source of love, comfort and strength throughout their many years together.

Contributions made in Larry's honor to the Austin Humane Society and Animal Trustees of Austin will be deeply appreciated and will make his heart smile.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2013, from 3:00pm – 7:00pm at The Ben Hur Shrine Auditorium, 7811 Rockwood, Austin, Texas 78757.