Lee Dunston Barnett Obituary (1917 - 2010)

Lee Dunston Barnett passed away on February 6, 2010, in Lansing, Michigan at 92 years of age. He was born to Charlotte (Dunston) Barnett and Isadore J. Barnett on May 7, 1917, in Onaway, Michigan. Lee was a track star at Lansing Central High School from 1933 to 1936. In 1935 he was the State Champion in the 440-yard dash. Lee also had a 440-yard dash record that stood for 17 years. He was an avid tennis player and golfer into his 90's. Lee wed Kathleen Rasmussen on April 13, 1939, in Lansing, Michigan. They enjoyed nearly 71 years of marriage before Lee's passing deprived Kathleen of her lifelong mate's company. They had three children: Le Roy (Dorothy) Barnett of Wacousta MI; Larry (Patricia) Barnett of Clarkston MI; and Janet Wood of Suwanee GA. Also surviving Lee are grandchildren Julia Barnett (Van) Tracy, Brant (Erika) Wood, Dawn Wood, Jodi Wood (Andrew) Miller, Scott Barnett and Laura Barnett. Lee's great-grandchildren are Zander Tracy, Rosalie Miller, Lydia Tracy, and two more expected soon. During Lee's lifetime he and his wife owned and operated the Nip & Sip Drive-in on old US-27 for eight years in the 1950s. Later, they owned and operated Tisheff's Restaurant on Michigan Avenue in downtown Lansing for eight years in the 1960s. Lee retired in 1980 from Heatherwood Farms Dairy as plant manager of the firm's ice cream department. After leaving the food business, Lee and his wife purchased a farm on North River Road in Grand Ledge. They worked hard to develop this acreage into a 35-home subdivision known as River Bend Estates. For the past decade, they have lived in a cottage at Grandhaven Manor in Lansing. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no memorial service for Lee. Anyone wishing to honor his memory is encouraged to support Hilltoppers Adult Care, 5815 Wise Road, Lansing MI 48911 or the charity of one's choice.