Paul Douglas Barnett, 80, of El Dorado, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Timberlane Health and Rehab, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born on November 29, 1945, to William and Norine Huffman Barnett in El Dorado, Arkansas.
Paul was a veteran of the United States Army, owner and operator of Barnett's Tree Service, and a devoted follower of Christ. He was of the Baptist faith and lived his life serving the Lord and loving others.
Paul had a Christ-like love for everyone he met and truly never met a stranger. After finding Jesus as his Savior, it became his life's mission to share the Gospel and lead others to Christ. Through his kindness, generosity, and genuine concern for others, he touched countless lives. He had a unique gift for making each person feel important, as if they were the only one in the room. He was also known as a tremendous jokester, always ready with a laugh, a story, or a witty remark that brightened someone's day.
Paul's greatest joy was his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, whether on family vacations, around the dinner table, or simply enjoying life's everyday moments. He loved a Saturday afternoon matinee with a big bucket of popcorn and a cold Diet Dr Pepper. His daily routine often included a peach cobbler from Andy's and a Sonic run to bring his wife, Bonnie, her Route 44 Sweet Tea.
He enjoyed restoring vintage cars, operating his beloved heavy equipment, and sharing stories with friends and family. Paul was a master at putt-putt golf, loved a big bowl of gumbo, and never passed up a friendly game of family poker. He was especially legendary at Monopoly, where his competitive spirit was on full display. He fiercely protected his properties and fortunes and would not even let his grandchildren win. One of his favorite traditions was gathering with family on New Year's Eve to watch The Twilight Zone.
Paul will be remembered for his unwavering faith, an infectious sense of humor, a generous heart, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the memories he created.
Preceding him in death are his parents; two brothers, Edward Barnett and Bryan Barnett; and a nephew, Bill Griffin.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bonita "Bonnie" Hornaday Barnett; sister, Rosetta Trahan (Kerry); brother, Gary Barnett (Beverly); children, Becky Davis (Dwayne), Johnny Paul (J.P.) Barnett (Amy), and Jerry Douglas Barnett (Angela); grandchildren, Ashton Collier (Caleb), Andrew Douglas Barnett, Madison Davis, Wesley Davis, and Sophie Barnett; great-grandchildren, Hayes Collier and Andrew Barnett; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Young's Funeral Directors.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at West Side Baptist Church with Bro. Cody Lain officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Barnett family.
