William "Fritz" Fredrick Barnett

SANTA FE - William Fredrick Barnett, known to friends and colleagues as Fritz, or to family as Dad, Papa Fritz or simply as Pop. Fritz was born June 25, 1936, in Three Rivers, Texas and passed away September 14, 2024, at home in Santa Fe. He was preceded in death by his mother, Madge Strong Barnett; father, Weldon Guy Barnett; brother-in-law, James DuBoise.

Fritz is survived by Gay Nell Bryan Barnett, his loving wife of 67 years and his sister, Guyann Duboise; his daughter, Cyndy and Hal Miller, their children and grandchildren, Jason and Brooke Miller, Deianna, Mahliea, Tigo, and Irie, Kyle and Lyndsay Miller, Jayde and Fallyn, Brad and Sara Miller, Halle, Shep, and Birdie; son, Shep and Renee Barnett, their children and grandchildren, Jenna and Ryan Vitek, Canaan and Aubrey, Krista and David Broom, Max, Molly, and Jordan; daughter, Ginger and Bruce Painter, their children and grandchildren, Bryan and Jessica Painter, Lauren and Tanner Patton and Ava Grace.

Fritz leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service. He has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Abilene Christian University and master’s degree in education administration from Sam Houston State University. Fritz’s career spanned over three decades with the Santa Fe School District. He started his career at Santa Fe schools in 1959, where he made profound contributions as a Chemistry and Physics teacher, bus driver, Elementary, Intermediate, and High School Principal, and Assistant Superintendent. His leadership extended to the Santa Fe School Board and Trustees, where he served from 1990 to 1999, including roles as President and Vice President. During this period he was instrumental in guiding the district through a pivotal legal case involving prayer in schools, including an appeal to the United States Supreme Court. After a long and successful career in Santa Fe, Fritz served as Superintendent of Beaumont Christian Schools.

Beyond his educational career, Fritz was deeply involved in the community. He served as an Elder at Midway Church of Christ, was on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Santa Fe, the board of the Galveston County Water District, and worked as a realtor from 1993 to 2017.

Fritz loved people and had a lasting impact on those who knew him. He was a friend, teacher, mentor, counselor, advisor, and joker. He had a great sense of humor and he loved to laugh. His impact on education and his community will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

Visitation with the family will be from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. with a funeral service beginning at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2024, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock, TX (409) 925-3501, with Mr. Russell McLaughlin officiating. Interment will follow at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials in the form of donations may be made in Fritz’s name to Midway Church of Christ, Post Office Box 347, Hitchcock, Texas 77563.

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