I talked, by phone, with Gus Barnett, three times to make arrangements for my father’s graveside service. We asked for a tent and a chairs and a small table to place the urn and flag on, set the date and time, went over the fees to be paid, made an appointment for my mom to pick out a headstone. Gus asked if my dad had served in the military. I said yes, national guard. Gus asked if he served “active”, I said no. Gus explained the differences in what my dad would be eligible for as far as headstones, taps, flags, etc. he assured me he would take care of everything. Fast forward to the day of my dad’s service. My mom and brother arrived at the funeral home at the appointed time to choose a headstone. At this time they find out that the son—-who they met with, had nothing except the date and time on the calendar for the service. The son was unaware of any other details. My brother called me and I talked with younger Mr Barnett and now, with less than 2 hours before the service, I demanded that there be a tent and chairs and that they figure out how there was going to be the army honor guard——-since they did not arrange for that also. We arrived at the cemetery, and yes the Barnetts got the tent and chairs set up in time, no honor guard, a tap recording of Taps. So, my mom paid the bill in full, but this funeral home caused much anquish and pain, after they assured us ALL would be taken care of. Obviously the son and father failed to communicate, someone did not do their job regarding contacting the army (and I know he had the correct discharge numbers——because the funeral home in my parents hometown prepared my dad. All in all———just a horrible experience for our entire and extended family.

Gus, Jake and Cathy were incredible, as was the rest of their staff. They handled my father's funeral with love, kindness and true compassion. And just the right touch of gentle humor when the family needed it. I don't think they make better funeral homes than the Barnett Family. Well worth the trip to Oskaloosa.

Gus has been truly incredible though this process. It’s rare to find his level of earnest compassion. Even after services were complete, he helped me with getting my mother’s obituary in the paper on a deadline. I cannot thank him enough.