N. Craig Barnett

Nelson Craig Barnett was one of a kind and unique in every way. He graced the world with his presence on May 25, 1956. He left this world a much better place through his existence on March 3, 2023. Craig was born in Jacksonville, Texas. At the age of 12 his family moved to Koran, Louisiana. Craig loved it there in the back woods of Louisiana. He loved to hunt, camp and worship with all his campground buddies. Even though growing up there included a lot of stitches, a call to the fire department for a camp fire gone wild and a bout with a severe illness, he loved this place and all the life long memories and friends made there. In 1973 Craig moved to Longview and started his family with his wife Gena. Over the years, he enjoyed serving in his church and gathering with friends. Craig will be most remembered for all the strong beliefs that he never waivered from, loyal, loving, trustworthy, dependable, hardheaded, funny, kind (to a fault), with a heart as big as Texas. If you ever made a joke around him, watch your back, because you became fair game for any shenanigans he could imagine! Often the target of his jokes and shenanigans were his many co-workers at J-W Power. Craig went to work for J-W in July of 1996 and loyally served them for almost 27 years. Craig’s mechanical knowledge made him well respected in his field but most importantly the people he worked with over the years became his second family. Some of Craigs favorite memories involve a life with his grandkids. He loved to listen to his daughter sing and spend time working on his son’s 1978 Ford pickup with him. The hole he has left in all that know him is beyond comprehension. Craig is preceded in death by his grandparents George & Artie Tucker and Alton & Exa Barnett. He is survived by his parents, Alton & Dorothy Barnett of Longview, his loving and dedicated wife of 38 years, Gena, his children Dawn Matlock and husband Sean and Daniel Barnett and wife Markie and the apple of his eye, sunshine of his day and true joy for the last 2 and half years, his grandson Ty Barnett. Also, his bonus son, nephew, Corey Mathews and wife Kristen and their 3 precious children, Rex, Sam and Lyndee. Craig survived growing up with and is survived by his three loving sisters, Lisa Sanders (Ricky) of Troup, Tanny Hill (Thomas) of Plano, Becky Hudgins (Kevin) of Sulphur Springs, and many nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him. Craig will be honored with a visitation and memorial service at Greggton Baptist Church, 4520 W Marshall Ave, Longview starting at 5:00 PM followed by a brief memorial service celebrating his life well lived starting at 6:30 . A graveside service will be held for final goodbyes at Concord Cemetery, Quitman, Texas at 11: 00 AM on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Burial will be facilitated under the direction of Horn-Nail-Haggard Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude’s Children Hospital.