Born September 25, 1936, in Orange Texas to James Barnett and Ida Cooper Barnett. He attended Wallace Elementary, High School and graduated in 1954. He also, attended Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas, and shortly after enlisted in the United States Air Force. It was during his time serving in the Air Force in Salina, Kansas that he met his Bride of 58 years; Lillian Anita Hockett. After serving 10 years of service with the Air Force he received an honorable discharge. From the union came five children, a Daughter Vanita E. Barnett, Van Stedman Barnett, II., Gerald Dawayne Barnett, David James Barnett, and Micheal Willis Barnett. In 1965 Van return to Orange with his family and reunited with Mount Sinai Baptist Church where served with the Senior Ursher Board as President, a member of the Brotherhood, he also served as Sunday School Teacher for the Senior Womens Class, and later served as Minister of Evangelism. He loved the opportunity it provided; he was able to ask someone if they loved Jesus, especially the children Coming back to Orange included working in the family business; Barnett’s Upholstery until employment with DuPont as a Chemical Operator. Service at Mount Sinai continued with Brotherhood, he also served as Sunday Teacher for the Senior Womens Class, and later served as Minister of Evangelism. Van announced his call to the Ministry in 1972 and later ordained 1975 and appointed to serve as Associate Minister at Mount Sinai Baptist Church. Van served on the Board of Habitat for Humanity Zone and Planning Committee for the City of Orange. He was a member of NAACP and LORD in the ORAN-JE Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, He served faithfully as Secretary and Treasurer of the Beaumont Ministers Union and Treasurer of the Orange Ministers Union. Reverend Barnett was a recipient of the ORAN-JE Chapter honor as a Man of Valor