William Michael Barnett Jr. “Mekiel”

William Michael Barnett prg pic

William Michael Barnett Jr., age 57, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Michael was born on February 13, 1966, to William Michael Barnett and Marie Antionette Barnett in Orrville, Ohio.

Michael spent his childhood and young adult life in Israel, where he found his love for biblical history and the
Hebrew language and received his Hebrew name, Mekiel. From a young child, he loved to speak publicly and
entertain crowds. His mother has a fond memory of him reciting extensive speeches during Easter and Christmas
services as a young child. He had a gift when it came to communicating with people from all backgrounds and
walks of life.

Mekiel was very energetic and had a love for animals, people, and adventure. His adventurous spirit and love of
history fueled his passion for travel and exploration. Mekiel has traveled across the US and to many other
countries, such as Kazakhstan, Cyprus, Greece, Ukraine, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Israel, Switzerland, and the
Netherlands.

Mekiel had a special love for poetry and singing. During his time in Kazakhstan, he leaned into his love of
entertaining others and began his singing career. He traveled all around the country performing for parties and
weddings. His unique story caught the attention of a writer who decided to publish an article detailing Mekiel in a
local magazine.

Mekiel is survived by his daughter; Rebekah Barnett, mother; Marie Barnett, sister; Riva Barnett, brother;
Christopher Barnett, nieces; Edwina and Briesez Barnett, nephews; Sean and Edric Yeboah, and his uncles.

Mekiel is preceded in death by his father; William Michael Barnett, Doris Ann Coffie (maternal grandmother),
Carnice Crawley (maternal grandfather) Mildred Barnett (paternal grandmother), John William Barnett (paternal
grandfather), Orlando Tyron Barnett (uncle), Gregory Barnett (uncle), John Douglas Barnett (uncle), Denise Renee
Barnett (aunt).

Mekiel lived life on his own terms and created relationships with many people that he touched along the way of
this journey called life. He had an infectious smile that could light up a room and loved to make people laugh. He
always tried to live by a motto his father gave him: “Be the best that you can be in whatever you do in life.” He will
be remembered fondly by many loved ones and friends.

“Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean”

Visitation 1:00 PM and Funeral Service 2:00 PM Friday, May 12, 2023 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd).

Barnett Cover

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Condolence Messages

  1. Patricia Burton

    To the family of ‘Mekiel’, my family, I am with you every moment of your celebration and grieving journey. Mekiel was such a beautiful soul, so misunderstood in this world yet so easily loved and embraced. I was blessed to be his aunt (Dodah) for most of his life and we shared some awesome memories that no one but Mekiel could orchestrate. We feel broken by his absence yet we must also be grateful for the shared times and happy moments of which there were many. Let us remember to express love and kindness to one another and to not take a second of this life for granted. Love you eternally, Dodah Roehleeyah

    • Mekiel….THIS IS FOR A GREAT FRIEND OF MINE IM DEEPLY SADDENED BY YOUR PASSING WE ALWAYS HUNG OUT AND TALK I WAS IMPRESSED BY THE KNOWLEDGE AND HOW SMART YOU WAS AND ALL THE DIFFERENT LANGUAGES YOU SPOKE…BUT I JUST TALK TO YOU I REMEMBER THAT YOU NEEDED A RIDE TO WALMART BUT I WAS WITH MY GUY AND HE WAS DRIVING AND I TOLD YOU HE WASN’T GOING …..BRO …..REST UP MY …… BROTHER MAN ….. MEKIEL BARNETT……IM GOING TO MISS OUR GOOD TALKS …..AND THE RESPECT WE HAVE FOR ONE EACH OTHER……. UNTIL WE SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN ……. MY TRUE BROTHER AND FRIEND MEKIEL BARNETT …….REST IN POWER ❤️……IN JESUS’ NAME AMEN

  2. Warnetta Harper

    RIP Cousin. Forever Missed & Loved You Will Be. Condolences, Love and Prayers Family.

  3. Ashley and friends from OHIO

    To the family I’m sorry for the pain ur enduring through this tough times in our lives. I must say Heaven is definitely singing today because he loved to sing. We only knew each other for couple years but through those years he was a great friend I was there through his little girl and through his up and downs with his fiance/friend Aricka. I was that one that when he vented to me he turned it into a poem. Man I’m going to miss those times. These will be the greatest memories of a great man I once knew… Rest High Mekiel.. LUV U BUB

  4. Beth Gonzales Barnett

    Michael is my brother in law. He is a type of person that will protect you when you are in needs! He has his own unique way of doing stuff to show his love into his family. He makes me laugh with his jokes and being a clown especially during the family gatherings. His sudden demise are shaken the family who love and care for him; more especially his loving mom- Marie that love him unconditionally no matter what he do, she makes sure his primary needs are always met regardless of what he is doing and what other said! To you- Michael- my brother in law where ever you are right now, may you rest in peace ! May your soul finds peace! Rest now your journey is over ! You will be missed!

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