Guy W. Barnett

Guy W. Barnett, age 74, of Yankton, South Dakota died on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.

A celebration of his life will be held at 6:30 PM, on Friday, October 18, 2024 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with the family receiving friends from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, prior to the celebration.

Guy was born on March 17, 1950 in Kansas City, Missouri to James and Eleanor (Darr) Barnett. After he was born, he moved with his family to the Lake of the Ozarks. In 1954, the family suffered a fire at their family owned and operated nightclub and home burned down. It was a complete loss except for the family car. Guy's father found a job as a traveling salesman which then brought their family to Mitchell, SD. In 1964, the family had a cafe that they all worked at. This is where he learned to cook at a very young age. Guy graduated from Mitchell High School in 1968 and after graduation, he worked at a gas station. This is where his love for muscle cars and tinkering on vehicles came from. This is when he met the love of his life, Janice "Jan" Kortan while pumping her gas. In 1973, Guy and Jan moved to Sunrise Beach, MO. They were united in marriage on February 8, 1974 in the Bridal Cave in Camdenton, MO. They lived in Sunrise Beach, MO and Guy worked in construction and was a handy man. They moved to Geddes, SD in 1977 to help Jan’s parents on the family farm. Guy continued his construction business but also enjoyed owning and operating a bait shop. In 1991, they moved to Yankton and Guy worked at Applied Engineering until he retired. After retirement, Guy worked part time at the Battery Exchange and then in security at Vishay Dale Electronics. His declining health made it hard for him to work. He was recently diagnosed with cancer and passed away from complications of Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Throughout his life, Guy loved hunting and fishing but he especially loved hunting and fishing with his wife, Jan. They spent many hours together on the water and in the field. Guy also loved working with his hands, whether it was in construction, working on cars or fixing anything and everything. He loved being outside and enjoyed the outdoors. He loved watching Westerns, listening to 70’s Rock and joking around with his family and friends.

Guy is survived by his four daughters: Nancy (Steven) Grimme, Sherri (Donavan) Hamilton, Kristine Barnett and Holly Barnett, all of Yankton; eight grandchildren: Josh, Preston, Lincoln, Levi, Tamiah, Taryn, Lance and Grant; six great grandchildren: Dallas, Alice, Louis, Jameson, Randy and Charles; sister, Toni (Michael) Wagner of Camdenton, MO; several nieces and nephews; and a close family friend, Cheryl Slowey of Yankton. 

Guy was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jan Barnett on July 28, 2021; brother, Carl Barnett; and sister and brother-in-law, Darlene and John Maples Sr.