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- Donald Charles Barnett, 87, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2018, of lung cancer.
A resident of Triangle, Va., he was born in Reading, Pa., on December 17, 1930, the son of Helen Potteiger Barnett and Reuben
Barnett. Don grew up in Sinking Spring, Pa., and throughout his life he maintained a close connection with his family and his contemporaries by attending reunions and gatherings with his classmates from Sinking Spring High School.
He graduated from Penn State University while serving in the Army Reserves and later served in the Army in the engineering division. He had a career with the U.S. Geological Survey as a surveyor and cartographer, traveling with his young family all over the eastern United States before
settling in Virginia.
In 1962-63 and 1963-64, he explored and mapped new territory in Antarctica where he had some pretty exciting adventures. Barnett Glacier was named after him. Don
became a member of the Antarctic Society and the Explorers Club. Eventually he became chief of field surveys and assistant chief of Eastern Mapping, Atlantic Division, USGS.
After retiring from USGS, he worked for 10 years as a park ranger at Leesylvania State Park. He was in on the planning and groundbreaking of the very popular park on the Potomac River in Woodbridge, Va.
Don was the rock for his family, which he took care of and he was always willing to help those in need in the neighborhood. His presence was strong, calming and unpretentious with a ready laugh and gentle sense of humor. Well informed about many issues, he would carry on a
discussion with a great deal of objectivity, yet felt strongly about his opinions. He had great compassion for all living things and loved trips to the mountains. He and his wife frequently drove to Skyline Drive. He was very handy and could fix or repair many things. He enjoyed his 1988 Dodge Dakota pickup truck and often drove it to the local Starbucks. He liked collecting vintage topographic and road maps. He appreciated old airplanes, sometimes enjoying a flight in a vintage aircraft.
He is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Taya Barnett; a son, Brant Charles Barnett; and a daughter, Taya Renee Barnett; his sisters, Virginia Bickta and Evelyn Swalm; a brother, Richard Barnett; and many nephews and nieces.
He was predeceased by his brother, Allen.
His family and his cat, Luna, miss him very much.
Condolences can be made at millerfuneralhome.net
under current funeral services.
Published by Reading Eagle on Apr. 30, 2018.
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1930 - 2018 (87 years)
