Columbia International University’s oldest alumnus, Dr. William J. Barnett, MD, affectionately known as “Dr. Bill,” has passed away at age 106.

Barnett, who graduated from CIU in 1937, served as a missionary surgeon in several hospitals in Tanzania, Kenya and the Comoro Islands. He was named CIU Alumnus of the Year in 1996.

After surgical and anesthesia training in the U.S. Army, Barnett dedicated himself to becoming a very capable physician who performed most types of surgery, obstetrics and primary care in remote villages. His family recounts how in Africa he would study and formulate instruments for surgeries coming up the next day. At some periods in his career, he was the only physician or surgeon in an area. He worked with excellent nurse leaders to develop two nursing schools, served as a school doctor, administered outlying clinics, and functioned in innumerable ways, including renovating buildings and installing generators. He began his missionary work with his wife Laura in 1950. He retired in 1990.

Dr. Bill Barnett is survived by six children and their spouses, 26 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Included among his favorite Bible verses was 2 Corinthians 8:9:

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Read more about the life of Dr. William J. Barnett at Legacy.com.

The mission of Columbia International University is to educate people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.