Donald G. Barnette

July 1, 1934 - September 4, 2020

DONALD GENE BARNETTE He was born in Middletown OH., on July 1, 1934, to John Hamilton Barnette & Smashie Lee Revish. Don is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with a B.S. in Education. He is a former school teacher, business owner, author, professional athlete and was a supervisor in the office for Civil Rights, Department of Education with the U.S. Government for twenty years. He was a pioneer with the Learning Chanel. He grew up in Middleton, Ohio where he attended Middletown Senior High School. Don was an All State Basketball player who helped lead the Middletown Middies to the 1952 State Championship. During his college years at Miami University he earned All Mid- American honors, Honorable mention and All American. Continuing to make his mark by playing in the First Invitational Inter-service Basketball Bermuda Tournament (council international Sports Militaire CISM is in 145 countries) and joined the All Navy Basketball Team in 1956-58. He is a member of an Emmy-Award winning Cold War Ambassadors of Goodwill and received a Presidential Lenin Medal of Honor. In 1958-1962 played for the “Original Harlem Globetrotters” touring 80+ countries and was known by the Moniker, “The Dribbling Wizard.” Don broke the following color barriers: A) he became the first African American to receive a basketball scholarship from Miami University of Ohio. B) 1st black male teacher in the Middletown, Ohio school system. C) 1st black to sell textbooks with two major book companies 1)Gregg Division of the McGraw- Hill book company 2) The American Book Company. Donald has been inducted into eight Halls of Fames including: Butler County Sports, Middletown High School, National Basketball Retired Players Association, and Black Legends of Professional Basketball Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, 4499 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, California 94611. To ensure the health and safety of our community, we are following all guidelines set by local, state and CDC officials. If you are planning on attending a service, please contact the funeral home in advance, so that we can plan accordingly.