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Richard Barnett Obituary
URBANA - Richard E. Barnett, 79, of Urbana passed away at home, peacefully surrounded by his family, on Saturday (May 4, 2024).
He was born in Champaign on Oct. 27, 1944, the son of Gerald and Betty (Bales) Barnett.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jeannie (Lovenguth). He is also survived by a son, Chad (Carolina) Barnett; four grandsons, Richard S., Caden, Conner and Colton; one granddaughter, Brianna; two great-grandsons, Matthew and Spencer; one great-granddaughter, Cheylee; his loyal four-legged companion, Sophie Joy; three sisters, Donna Zook, Diana Shaw and Wilma Dyson; and two brothers, Bill Barnett and David Barnett.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tonya; parents; and one sister, Geraldine Morfey.
Richard graduated from Urbana High School in 1963 and Illinois Commercial College. He joined the Army in 1967 and served in Vietnam. He was discharged in 1968 as a sergeant. He was employed at Pepsi Cola for 29 years and then was a highway maintainer for the state of Illinois. He was a member of Champaign VFW Post 5520 and was past commander and district commander. Richard was also state surgeon and a member of the DAV, Urbana American Legion Post 71, Patriot Riders and AMVETS Post 3.
He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He loved the Fighting Illini. In 1984, he was named "Most Zealous Illini Fan of the Year." He was a great sports enthusiast.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 8, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, 1900 Philo Road, Urbana. Pastor Jeff Dyson will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana, with military rites. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Barnett
Debbie Kelly
May 4, 2025
Jeannie,
I know it's been a year since Rich passed away, and I wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. You're in my thoughts today more than ever.
I remember Rich's wonderful laugh, his love of ice cream, running into him while he walked Sophie & us chatting, watching him dance the night away at clubhouse dances, cocktail Mondays, and all our wonderful adventures together. He was such a special person, and I miss him. He will be forever in my heart.
Sending all my love and many hugs ,
Deb
della margaret
July 29, 2024
Prayers for family and loved ones going forward now with painful loss. Richard´s memory will live in those who loved him.
Jamie
May 24, 2024
I am truly sorry for your loss
Texas
Rita Nelson
May 8, 2024
I´m so very sorry I couldn´t attend the services. As a family we have been blessed with so many wonderful memories together. Please know you´re all in my heart and I´m wishing you peace throughout this time.
Mary Mann Reifsteck
May 7, 2024
I'm so blessed to have known Richard and to be able to take care of him the last few years. We so look forward to seeing Richard when he came a wonderful Christian man. Our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Skip Hunt
May 7, 2024
He was a good man and will be missed by many....Rest in peace Richard....You did well.
Jim Peters
May 6, 2024
Sorry to of Rich's passing. I remember him very well from my IGA days as he was my "Pepsi Man" .
Rich and I used to talk Cardinal baseball, and I also remember
how proud he was of being part of "Candlestick Lane" in Urbana. RIP old friend.
Jim Peters
Deb & Bill Kelly
May 6, 2024
Jeannie, Chad, & Family,
Bill and I loved Rich. We had some really good adventures together in Florida over the nine years we knew each other. We always looked forward to Monday night cocktails - haven't had one since Rich left Harbor Oaks due to his health. And of course, our ice cream quests are memorable, especially the time Rich drank 2 blizzards. Rich will forever be in our hearts. We send our sincere sympathy, all our love, and many hugs.
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