August 7 marked a sad day for the Ben Davis Band Department. It was the day they all knew was coming; the passing away of longtime volunteer, longtime mentor and longtime friend, Tom Barnett.

After fighting a brave battle with cancer for years, his pain was finally eased in an eternal sleep. Although he is no longer with us, band director David Cole assures us that his legacy will always be here (see video).

Barnett has been volunteering for the band long after his daughters graduated. For 40 years, Barnett was with the band.

“It’s really been a thrill to see just how many people Tom’s touched in his life, thousands, thousands of people,” Cole said.