Lawrence Barnett, 85, of Brookings, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2020, at the United Living Community.  No funeral services will be held at this time.

Lawrence S. Barnett was born May 16, 1935 in Brookings, SD and died September 14, 2020 in Brookings, SD.

Lawrence attended Brookings Country School and graduated from Brookings High School in 1953. Subsequently he attended and graduated from SDSU in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Engineering continuing with his ROTC path into the Air Force.  He was stationed in various locations in the US and world notably in Tripoli, Libya and Würzburg, Germany as part of the radar tracking station running intercepts during the Cold War.  He met Mary Louise Jaquez (d. 2013) also stationed in Würzburg and they were married in 1963.

After deployment in Europe Lawrence returned to South Dakota to farm.  Following farming he worked for a number of companies in Brookings.  His last several years prior to full retirement at age 80, he worked with the Brookings County Weed Board, enjoying his time working with farmers around the county.  Over his life he participated in many aspects of the community including St Thomas Moore Catholic Church choir, 4H as a club leader and coaching the club softball team, a member of the Knights of Columbus and he also volunteered with the Brookings County Historical Society Museum sharing his passion for local stories.

Lawrence is survived by son Michael and wife Sandi Barnett, son Thomas and wife Kate Barnett, grand-daughter Morgan Barnett and sister Beth Eckerman along with many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by wife Mary Louse Jaquez Barnett, daughter Christina Barnett, brother Hugh Barnett and nephews Mark Barnett, Jim Barnett and grand-nephew Jeremy Eckerman

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to support to the local 4-H groups (via Brookings County Extension)  or to the Brookings County Historical Society (www.brookingscountymuseum.com).

Expressions of sympathy may be directed to:

The Family of Lawrence Barnett

C/O Eidsness Funeral Home

1617 Orchard Drive

Brookings, SD 57006