Birth date: Feb 7, 1934 Death date: Aug 24, 2013
FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT BARNETT, 79, of Leesburg, Virginia died on Saturday, August 24th 2013 in Leesburg. Mr. Barnett was born February 7th 1934 in Valley Grove, WV to the late Frederick N. and Lottie Gatewood Barnett. His wife Helen Read Obituary
In Loving Memory of Frank Barnett who passed sat. Over the years, living in leesburg, frank was a great roll model for me, loving caring and stern in a joking way. New his horses, and was just a great great man. Love you Frank, and you will be greatly missed.
"Took the next step into his new life with our lord, and is now with his wonderful wife Helen" Only happy memories
The picture of Frank with the Big Mouth Bass....He was so proud that day...He took my family down to the Westview Lake for a picnic. My Dad, Jim Ludwig, said "Hey Frank", we been here all cottonpicking day and we have not caught any fish.....Frank , laughed. About that time, Frank got a bite, and caught the Bass. Frank told my Dad , your just not doing it right. You have to say "Suey" and they jump on the line. We laughed. No one else caught a fish that day. What great memories he gave us, playing cards, on Friday Nights, Racetrack Nights, Atlantic City Casinos. Through the years of our friendship, he never had an unkind word for anyone. Will miss his phone call when Kentucky Derby comes around next year...but I will make sure his bet is in. With our sincere sympathy , we love you Frank, and you will always be in our hearts, with all the memories.
Frank, oh my what can I say about that Frank. Frank was a character, a fixture in Leesburg for many years. He had by far the greatest sense of humor of any man I've ever known. He had a million jokes on top of his head and he could have you laughing so hard your lungs would hurt.
I knew Frank for over 30 years. Whenever you ran into Frank you knew there was going to be some joke telling and a ton of laughter. I've never known a human being who could rattle off so many jokes, Frank was amazing for making people feel good and laughing. He seemed to really enjoy making people feel good, so much so he did it non-stop it seems his whole life. I don't think he enjoyed anything anymore than cracking a joke and watching the reaction, he seemed to really love it.
Frank would come into Southern States for years and years and pick up supplies for Westview Farm. He would have everyone in stitches before he left. When we saw that blue Dodge pick up come in with that big black dog on the back we all knew fun and laughter would start the minute Frank got out the truck. He would have everyone rolling and he did it not once in awhile but every time he came in.
Many that knew Frank knew him only of the non-sense and jokes he would tell. There was another side of Frank many didn't know. One day I happened to drive by Frank's house and saw his truck in the driveway. I decided to stop in and say hello. Frank was sitting in the kitchen eating and watching a little tv he had sitting on the counter. We sat and talked for about half hour and when I left it dawned on me that's not the Frank everyone knows, that was the real Frank. He was super nice, laid back, polite and there was no joke telling, he was being himself, not the character that kept everyone rolling in laughter. It was a side of him I had never seen and looking back now I'm glad I stopped in that day. I found out Frank had a big heart behind all that non-sense and joke telling of his. He was much more than he put on out in public, he was a genuinely good guy.
For those that didn't know Frank you sure missed out on a awful lot of fun. He was one of a kind, no question in my mind about that. I think its very safe to safe there will never be another Frank, he was something else. Frank will be remember always, no way will he ever be forgotten. I will always remember Frank, most anyone that ever knew him will too.
I will remember all the times I stood by his truck and he and I cracked jokes back and forth. I was no match in keeping up with Frank, I don't think anyone was. I will miss Frank but I'll always remember him fondly, he was without question a one and only, there will never be another one like him..
I was so very sorry to hear of Frank's death, and just want the family to know what a dear, sweet man he was. I met him while bowling in Leesburg; he was usually there having breakfast every Wednesday morning. He always had a smile on his face and a joke or story to share. He told me all about the winery, so my husband and I will pay a visit and have a glass of wine in Frank's memory.
Robin Sossi
