Band loses longtime supporter

Barnett passes away after battle with cancer

Band supporter Tom Barnett passed away at 3 a.m. today. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Band supporter Tom Barnett passed away at 3 a.m. today. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Longtime Ben Davis band supporter Tom Barnett passed away at 3 a.m. today after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Barnett was a band volunteer for 40 years and missed only two practices. He was named an honorary band director earlier this month at the band’s annual Ice Cream Social.

“Tom Barnett’s dedication to the members of the Marching Giants was an example of unconditional love,” Band Director David Cole said. “Tom will sorely be missed but his example will inspire us for years to come.”

Barnett’s family has expressed the following:

“Heaven is celebrating the arrival of the of the most passionate, devoted and loving man we have ever known. Raymond Thomas (Tom) Barnett passed away at 3 a.m. this morning. Tom dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the Ben Davis Bands and has touched so many lives in the process.”

Funeral arrangements are pending. The family is working with Ben Davis to accommodate a celebration of his life sometime around August 20.