Eric Barnett

Eric Bruce Barnett, 52 passed away Saturday, October 6, 2018, at home in Washington, Utah.  Born March 28, 1966, in Decatur, IL.  Eric was preceded in death by his parents Leland Bruce Barnett and Armi Kaarina Saarka Barnett.  Eric was Married to Carmen Marie Hartvigson Branch, the love of his life on March 28, 2009, in Palmer, Alaska and sealed in the St. George Temple December 28, 2013.

Eric was raised in Waynesburg, PA.  He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Orange County, CA. He had a bachelor’s and master’s degree of science in nursing.  Eric served our country in the United States Army and the United States Air Force for nearly eighteen years as a nurse.  He retired as a Major in 2010 in Anchorage, AK, his last duty station.

Eric was married to Roxanne Laws 1990-January 2009 and have three beautiful daughters.  Eric was stationed in Germany, Bosnia, Africa, Florida, Japan, Missouri, and Alaska. Eric met his second wife; Carmen Branch on “LDS Planet” dating site after transferring to Alaska.

Eric had a deep passion for music. He was a classically trained pianist and had a scholarship to Julie Arts in New York but declined it because he was afraid to live in the “big city.” His last calling at church was one of the ward organists. Eric liked to play the organ loud and fast. Eric also loved food, the stranger the better! Eric’s greatest joy was being able to spend time with his two grandsons, Lip and Logan. Eric found great comfort in his pets, especially his dog Toppy, given to him by the Healing Hearts Of Alaska organization. Toppy was by Eric’s side at the time of his passing.

Eric had many physical health issues which included chronic pain, neuropathy, TBI, and diabetes.  Most recently Eric spent seven days in the ICU for pneumonia.  Eric also suffered from mental health issues which included PTSD, ADHD, depression, and anxiety.  Eric always said what was on his mind; there was no question of where he stood on any subject. Eric was a very misunderstood person because of his health issues.  All he wanted was love and acceptance, but he was not always able to express this effectively.  He will be greatly missed.

Eric is survived by his loving wife, Carmen Barnett of Washington, Ut and his three stepdaughters Tamika Branch, LaTonya Campbell, and JeTanja Hartvigson, his ex-wife Roxanne Laws and their three daughters, Sarah Wright, Mariah Barnett, and Emily Barnett.  Eric’s brother David Barnett and sister Kaisa Barnett, three grandchildren and a large extended family in Alaska, Finland, Pennsylvania, and Northern Utah.

Funeral services will be Friday, October 12, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1867 Washington Fields Road, Washington, UT 84780.  Viewing will be before the funeral at 9:30 a.m.  Interment will be at Tonaquint Cemetery, St. George, UT.