I have so many happy memories of Wally.  I was the Receptionist at State Personnel for several years in the 80's...and he sure loved to give me a hard time (all in fun, of course) every time he came down to our office to discuss business with staff members regarding the State Fire Marshall's Office.  My husband and I continued to enjoy his company every time we went to the Lincoln Airport, and he would assist us as a Red Coat.  It didn't matter if it was 3 pm or 3 am -- he was always the same happy, friendly, loving, caring person-to us, and to all that he came in contact with.  Our hearts and prayers are with the Barnett family.  Please take comfort in knowing that he made a huge impact on a LOT of people-and we're 2 of them.  Take good care.

RIP Sweet Wally!  I've thought of you often, and loved working with you in the late 70's at the State Fire Marshall's office as your receptionist!!  Oddly enough, Wally helped me find my birth father's family, with that said, the father he helped me find, passed away the SAME DAY as you Wally!  I wish i'da called you when I found my father this past December 13th, 2015.  That would have been anotherl special moment!
Prayers for your family.  P.S., I still have Wally's peanutbrittle recipe!  :)
Sheri Cox Butler

My sympathies to the family on your loss. When my dad moved to North Gate, Wally was one of the first people he ran into and he often spoke about how helpful and welcoming Wally was to him. Condolences to you all.

Francy and I wish to offer the family our condolences on
Wally's passing. As does everyone who ever knew him,
I have fond memories of Wally from family gatherings,
and later in life would have a chat with him every time I was
at the Lincoln airport. He was one of a kind. Love,

Roy Scheele

Wally was my boss from 1985 to 1989.  He allowed me to accomplish things in the State Fire Marshal's Office that others would not.  Because of his ability to let his employees reach their potential I was able to write for Firehouse Magazine and become a contributing editor, teach for the National Fire Academy and other things too numerous to mention.  He was proud when I gave him a copy of my first book.  I owe much of my success in the fire service to the chances Wally gave me.  He was a true friend and I will miss him.  He was in all likelihood right at the top of the best State Fire Marshal's in Nebraska.  RIP Wally, there is a huge void in my heart and the hearts of many who were lucky enough to know you.

I had the pleasure of knowing Wally through North Gate. I know he took beautiful care of his wife and I fondly remember him playing the organ in the dining room. He will be dearly missed.

Tuesday March 22, 2016

I extend my deepest sympathies to the entire family.  Wally was a personal as well as a professional friend.  He was a great asset to the City of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska. He will be deeply missed.

John H. Primrose

Wally was a fellow member of the Corinthians Sunday School class and the chancel choir at First United Methodist Church. He was a nut. I still laugh at the time he and Dan McCord hid in the bushes at a Corinthians' picnic and boomed out "Hear O Israel, the Lord your God....," right after Ebb Munden said grace. Everybody jumped. God bless his soul.

Julia McCord

Wally hired me at the Fire Marshal's Office in 1986.  He was dedicated to whatever he did, and was like a father figure.  I will always appreciate the dedication he had to family, job, and his "community".  Wally you will be missed.  My prayers for your family and friends as they grieve. We have lost an awesome man, but our loss is God's gain.

WALLY WILL BE MISSED GREAT CISM MEMBER. 
SHERIFF JAMES ANDERSON /CISM

Our sympathy to all of you. I owe credit to Wally for he hired me with the SFM Agency that started my career there. Wally gave me the base which prepared me to finish my career as the director also. We seemed to understand each other's humor. It was an honor to know him, work with him, and be a friend. 
John & Elaine Falgione.

Sympathies to the family on your loss. Got to know your father first with his dedicated & strong support of CISM for 1st Respoders w/SFM off. In last years at AP when he Red Coat. Lord be kind to him!!

Joni & Family
   Sorry to hear about your Dad and I know you will miss him, but remember he is in a better place.  Just look to heaven when your sad and he'll be smiling down at you. If you see a penny on the ground pick it  up it pennies  from heaven.

To Wally and Family
Wally and I worked together since the early 1970's.  SFM's Office, Senator, College Instructor, advisor to the Nebr. Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators, Inc., and a dear friend.  So many stories could be told about all of the above.  His special humor, knowledge, method of giving to others, and more.  With deepest Respect.

Wally was a great, welcoming friend to my dad when he moved to North Gate last August.  Our family was so thankful for that.  My sympathies to the family.

I am sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad was a great guy. He will be missed.

Scott and family.......I really enjoyed joking around with your Dad up at North Gate as well as when he was a red coat at the airport.  He had a great sense of humor and he will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Wally, there was only one like you!  Absolutely loved working with you at the State Fire Marshal's office for 12 years. You had an awesome sense of humor and very caring ways. My thoughts, prayers and love to the Barnett families.

Dad, we all love you and you will be missed terribly.  Hope the celebration with Mom was wonderful and the dancing continues!  Love, Joni

So sorry to hear about his passing.  North Gate Garden estates is not going to be the same with out him.  Rest in peace Wally

OBITUARY

Wallace M Barnett

February 7, 1931 – March 18, 2016

Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery

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