Sad loss of one of our fellow BCA members.

[Centurion]

I have just received some messages from "Motorama" author David Temple regarding BCA member and 1959 Buick owner Charles Barnette.

Quote:

Hi Brian. I just received some bad news. Charles Barnette passed away a few hours ago from a heart attack at his office. I thought you would want to know. He mowed his yard on Friday - it's been very hot in Texas - and he felt like he may have had a heat stroke. Unfortunately, he didn't go to the doctor - only decided he should moments before the heart attack. Earlier this morning he emailed me in response to my Texan article. What a shock.

Many of you will recognize Charles' name from his efforts to research and preserve the history of the 1954 Buick Landau. Charles helped bring the car to the forefront of our attention here, and took great initiative to contact the family of the car's first private owner (the Blair family). As a result, the Buick community gained priceless photographs and history of this significant Motorama Buick. Charles was also instrumental in re-uniting the Landau with its original silver beverage set and in replicating the original, turbine-style wheelcovers that were stolen decades ago.

I was very grateful to have met Charles at our big 1959 Buick 50th anniversary event in Colorado Springs during 2009. Charles was wildly enthusiastic about our cars and the event, and contributed significantly to making it the special occasion that it was.

As a result of Charles' encouragement and initiative, David Temple has been researching the history of the 1959 Buick "Texan" show car, and we hope that David's article about the Texan will be published in one of the national collector car magazines during the future.

David has promised to keep me posted regarding a memorial service and opportunities for charitable donations.

[Kingoftheroad]

That is so sad, I'm sorry to hear it. I hope his family will make it ok during this tough time...

[Thriller]

Sigh.

[South_paw]

Wow, that's a shocker. I knew of him through the Cadillac Club and would have to say that when it comes to cars, "wildly enthusiastic" described Charles best. He will be missed.

[BUICK RACER]

Rest in Peace, Charles, you will be missed!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for all you did for the Buick Community, we will remember you forever!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NTX5467]

On behalf of our North Texas Chapter, we extend our condolences and our prayers to Charles' family in this difficult time for them. I suspect that we might not have fully known about the '54 Landau if it had not been for Charles and his many efforts.

Regards,
Willis Bell 20811
Chapter Director, North Texas Chapter

[jscheib]

A sad day, indeed. A one-of-a-kind car and a-one-of-a-kind person. Not many would have taken the efforts he did to bring this Landau to the Buick public. I never met the man, but wish I had.

John

[buick5563]

I will miss his enthusiasm.
My condolences to his family.

[NCReatta]

My condolences to the Barnette family. From reading his many posts on the Landau, he seemed to be quite the man. I wish I could've had the pleasure of meeting him.

May he rest in peace.

[1957buickjim]

My only exposure is from reading his posts on the Landau, he seemed to be quite the man with the knowledge on the vehicle. I wish I could've had the pleasure of meeting him as well as all the others. My condolences to the Barnette family in this trying time.

[MrEarl]

This is terrible news this morning. I communicated with Charles extensively about the Landau and so enjoyed his enthusiasm and witty and clever expressions and style of describing the car and everything about it. I had so hoped to meet him some day.
A person I am truly glad to have had the chance to share some talks and laughs with. Another word that describes Charles is generous. He would give you the shirt off his back if you asked for it. He went to great expense just to obtain the Landau just to display it for a few days at his Texarcana show room. I just can't say enough about this man. He will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace Charles, we all will miss you.

Thanks for sharing Brian.

[Dandy Dave]

May he ride that Beautiful Landau past St. Peter and the Pearly Gates, and onto the the Gold covered streets of Heaven. Dandy Dave!

[First Born]

I will always think of him when the Landau is mentioned, as well as any "59. He loved his Coppertop.

Ben

[my3buicks]

A faithful and passionate Buick & automotive lover goes home. Rest in Peace.

[TxBuicks]

I cried when I read this post. I was present with Charles in 2008 when the great Landau Reunion took place at his Auto Museum in Texakana, TX. I immediately became attached to him. He had such a strong charisma. I have never met anyone before or since with as much passion to the old car hobby. Buicks were his favorite. Below is a picture of him with Robert Blair, the son of the original Landau owner, and Larissa, the Motorrama girl for the day. Also, although Mr. Earl could not be there in person, he sent a picture of his 1954 Collection. Charles insisted I take a picture of his fleet with the Landau so Mr. Earl could be there in spirit.

The article on this Landau event is in the March 2009 Buick Bugle. It is worth reading again.

[old-tank]

It was my pleasure to meet and know this kind, passionate and enthusiastic man. My condolences to his family.

[Centurion]

Roy, thank you so much for posting those wonderful photos of Charles and the Landau in Texarkana!

[retirednow]

Wow, sorry to hear. My prayers go out to his family.

[Pete Phillips]

What a shock. I'm glad I got to meet him once. His father died only a year or so ago. He was the impetus behind the Tex-Ark Automobile Museum in Texarkana, Arkansas, which survives only on donations (no entry fee) in a restored downtown building there. I visited it last summer. Memorial contributions to that small museum might be appropriate. It is small, but very well done--has the look and feel of a 1920s automobile repair garage.
Pete Phillips

[Centurion]

Thanks, Pete. I have just sent an e-mail to Charles' secretary, and hope to learn more about the Museum and the possibility of making donations there. I will be sure to pass along anything I learn.

[TxBuicks]

Pete and Brian are correct. The Tex-Ark Antique Automobile Museum was a passion project from the Barnettes. They charge no admission, just a donation jar by the door. They didn't own many cars, so they would solicit the owners of classic cars to show them there, at no charge. I can't think of a better cause to donate to.

[Centurion]

I have found an obituary online:

Texarkana Funeral Home: Obituaries

The funeral service is scheduled for this Saturday (June 18) at 10:00 AM at the Beech Street First Baptist Church in Texarkana.

The obituary indicates that memorials may be sent to the church, and I still hope to learn about the possibility of contributions to the museum.

[Roger Booth]

My name is Roger Booth. I grew up with Decker. Here is the link for his memory on facebook. Please leave your thought here for him also. We were in the Four States Antique Car Club together. I have a 1924 Buick Double Service Sedan. See link below

https://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php...744543104&ap=1

thanks, Roger..we miss him..BUT Decker was a good Christian man and I know he is in Heaven with out Lord!

[Roger Booth]

Bye the way...I enjoyed my time with the 1954 Buick Landau Motorama car while it was in our museum!

[JohnD1956]

My name is Roger Booth. .. Here is the link for his memory on facebook....
https://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php...744543104&ap=1

...!

Always sad to hear of loss like this, but especially so about Charles. One could tell by his writing that he was passionate about what he was involved in, and one can tell online that he was very well loved....
I'll raise a toast to you Charles.... A Landau toast... to a life well lead on earth...and a lasting Peace in Heaven... Till we meet for the first time....Cheers!