N.O. Lawyer And Civic Leader Walter M. Barnett Dies At 92
Times Picayune  03-12-1996

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Walter M. Barnett, a New Orleans lawyer and civic leader who led a host of
local charitable organizations, died Sunday at Touro Infirmary. He was 92.

A lifelong New Orleanian, Mr. Barnett graduated from Warren Easton Boys High
School, where he was class president, and received his undergraduate, master's
and law degrees from Tulane University, where he was elected Phi Beta Kappa
and was named best all-around man on campus.

He was a longtime partner in the law firm of Montgomery, Barnett, Brown, Read,
Hammond & Mintz.

From 1930 to 1935 he was an assistant city attorney and wrote legislation for
the inspection and improvement of slum housing.

After drafting the state's adoption law, Mr. Barnett was asked to be the
attorney for the city's Public Welfare Department, a position he held from
1935 to 1946. The department later praised him in a resolution for working
"beyond the requirements of his position."

After World War II, in which he was a lieutenant junior grade in the Coast
Guard Reserves and chairman of the New Orleans War Recreation Committee, Mr.
Barnett became involved in promoting public projects such as construction of
the Union Passenger Terminal and the Civic Center.

He was a longtime leader in efforts to improve the city's housing, leading a
14-year fight to let Louisiana and New Orleans participate in the federal
urban renewal program and serving as chairman of the Mayor's Advisory
Committee to the Department of Housing and of the private Citizens Housing
Council.

He was a board member of the Community Chest and president of its successor,
the United Fund of the Greater New Orleans Area, which later became the United
Way.

Mr. Barnett was a former president of the New Orleans Bar Association, Family
Service Society, Jewish Federation of the Greater New Orleans Area, Tulane
Alumni Association and Touro Infirmary, and was chairman of the Community
Improvement Agency.

He was a charter member and treasurer of the Louisiana Mental Health
Association; a director of the Metropolitan Area Committee and the Eye, Ear,
Nose & Throat Hospital; and a member of the New Orleans Hospital Council.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia Mae Fuerst Barnett; two daughters, Linda
B. Mintz and Walda B. Besthoff; five grandchildren; and six great-
grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held today at 2:30 p.m. at Bultman Funeral Home,
3338 St. Charles Ave. Burial at Metairie Cemetery will be private.