Donald Hayes Barnett

Donald Hayes Barnett, 76 Citrus/Investor Lakeland " Donald Hayes Barnett passed away on July 29, 2011 due to a brain tumor. Mr. Barnett was born in Birmingham, Alabama on December 24, 1934. He graduated from Lakeland High School and attended Florida Southern College. He was in the citrus business for 40 years and also a real estate broker and stock investor. He began his career in citrus in all phases and worked for Kraft Foods as their Fruit Procurement Manager; he later went into business for himself as a citrus broker. While with Kraft Foods he was featured in their national magazine, The Kraftsman, for doing such a superb job while buying fruit in Cuba, just before Castro took over the country because of a freeze in Florida. He had some friends there that were shot because of the revolution. Because of the superb job he did in Cuba, he was nominated Lakeland""s Most Outstanding Man of the Year. He was in his 20""s at this time. On his 50th wedding anniversary he was surprised to get a plaque from President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. Mr. Barnett is survived by his beloved wife, Quintine (Tina), son, Ted his wife Iris, son, Brent his wife Monica. grandson, Christopher his wife Rachel, two sisters, Joyce Bailey of Lakeland and Linda Strickland and husband, Morris of Plant City, nieces and nephews, all around Florida, brothers in law, Rufus Nesmith and his wife Norma, and Rev. Rapley Armstrong and his wife Sybil. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 from 5-7 pm at Heath Funeral Chapel with a reception during the visitation at the Tribute Center. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist at the Mall, Lakeland, on August 3, 2011 at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Oak Hill Burial Park, US 98 South, Lakeland, FL Service: 08/03/2011 First Baptist Church at the Mall 1010 E. Memorial Blvd., Lakeland, FL Heath Funeral Chapel Visitation: 08/02/2011 Heath Funeral Chapel