Michael Elmer Barnett, Sr.

Michael Elmer Barnett, Sr."Big Mike", 74, of Groves, Texas went to be with the Lord and other family members who have gone before him on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at his home in Groves, Texas after a hard fought battle with cancer. "Big Mike" was born July 10, 1936 in Vivian, Louisiana to Walter E. Barnett and Sally Darnell Barnett. He worked as a lab analyst at Texas U.S. Chemical and while he built and operated the family owned Mike Barnett Construction, which is still being run by his family today. "Big Mike" was an involved member of First Christian Church in Port Arthur, TX. "Big Mike's" favorite pastime was playing golf with is buddies and spending time with his family while sharing his finest homemade ice cream and talking sports. "Big Mike" was a very special man that touched the lives of many families and individuals throughout his life and through his successful career. Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Sonya Barnett of Groves, TX; two sons, Michael Barnett, Jr. and wife Tracy of Crystal Beach, TX; and, Lance Barnett and wife Alicia of Groves, TX; brother, Glenn Barnett and wife Barbara of Tyler, TX; three loving grandchildren, Kelsey Barnett, Drew Barnett, and Staci Gary and husband Jared all of Groves. With two great-grandsons, Brayden and Lawsen, "Big Mike" was able to capture all of life's wonderful gifts. "Big Mike" was preceded in death by his other grandson, Michael Elmer Barnett, III "Trey." Funeral services will be at 10:00a.m., Friday, October 22, 2010 at First Christian Church in Port Arthur. Burial will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday evening from 4:00p.m.-7:00p.m. at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves. Pallbearers will be Twyman Ash, Dr. James Brown, Ken Broussard, Opie Grenn, Larry Guidry, Sr, and David Vorphal. Friends wishing to make memorial contributions may send them to: First Christian Church 5856 9th Avenue, Port Arthur, TX 77642; Young Life PN-G, P.O. Box 328 Port Neches, TX 77651; or the American Cancer Society.