William Nelson Barnett Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

William Nelson Barnett, age 84, of Marion, passed away suddenly at 10:07 a.m., on Friday, January 6, 2012, in Heartland Regional Medical Center of Marion, IL. He was born on Monday, November 7, 1927, in Tamms, IL the son of William McKinley and Beatrice (Ivey) Barnett. Nelson, as he was known by, answered the call of this nation by serving in the United States Army Air Force during the time of WW II being stationed in the Pacific Theater. After his period of faithful service he was honorably discharged. He was united in marriage to Alice Barker on December 25, 1951, in Marion, IL and together they have shared over sixty years of marriage. His working career began with Johnson Wax of Racine, WI and later with American Motors of Kenosha, WI. Later he moved to Flint, MI where he worked for General Motors for about five years until he returned with his family to Marion in 1960. After he moved back to Marion, he began working for the Marion Unit II School System as a custodian. First working at the Douglas Grade School in Marion, the only black grade school, and advanced working at many of the schools until he reached the Marion High School, while also working for the Law Office of Sanders and Sanders, remaining there until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of the First Freewill Baptist Church of Marion. He also served in the past as a board member of the Boyton Street Community Center of Marion. In his spare time he found enjoyment in being an avid reader of the bible. He also was a sports enthusiast, following all the sports of the Marion Wildcats. Though he always kept busy with his work and other interests, the most important part of his life was his family, always taking interest in their many activities and enjoying the many times they all gathered together. He is survived by his wife, Alice Barnett of Marion; two daughters, Elsie Barnett of Laplata, MD and Beverly Barnett of Marion; two sons and daughter-in-law, Michael L. Barnett of Chicago, IL and Charles E. and Cynthia Barnett of Omaha, NE; four grandchildren, Porscha N. Parker and her husband, Malcolm of Costa Mesa, CA, TaShauna Teague and her fiancé, Ivan of Marion, Tiffany Barnett of Omaha, NE and Phillip H. Vaughn, Jr. of Laplata, MD; eight great grandchildren, Elizabeth Mary Ann Parker, William Malcolm Parker, Michael Alexander Parker, Matthew Joseph Parker, Marquez J. Lilly, Jaleah M. Teague, Nautica L. Barnett and Giana Barnett; brother-in-law, Charles Barker of Marion; two cousins, Yvonne Seck of NY and James L. Jenkins of CA, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, William Howard Barnett. Arrangements for William Nelson Barnett were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. A time of visitation for family and friends was on Monday, January 9th, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of Mr. Barnett’s life was presented to the family and friends. The funeral service was at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Rev. David Nelson presiding. The service began with Rev. James Buckles giving the welcome, scripture reading and prayer. Reading of the condolences was presented by Stephanie Willis. The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist, Delores Isaac. Special musical selections presented during the service were “When the Saints Go Marching In” as a recorded trumpet selection by great grandson, Marquez J. Lilly, “Shine on Me” as a recorded selection by daughter, Beverly Barnett and “Precious Lord Take My Hand” and “God’s Got It All in Control” both by vocalist, Delores Isaac who accompanied herself on the piano. During the time of the recessional the vocal musical selection “I’ll Fly Away” was presented by Joe Buchanan, Deborah Pickens, Stephanie Willis and Delores Isaac with Delores accompanying on the piano. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion, IL. Pallbearers were Joe Marshall, Gary Barker, Ivan Reliford, Danny Barker, Jim Boles and Jeffery Pickens. Military honors were accorded at the graveside by members of the V.F.W. Heyde-Pillow Post No. 1301, American Legion Post No. 147 and the Illinois National Guard Flag Detail, all of Marion, IL. Those participating were Commander, Larry Largent; Chaplain, Dan Fruge; Officer of the Day, Bill Deaton; Bugler, Brian Samuel; Color Guard, Ralph DeVasier and Jesse James; National Colors, Ernie Rinella; VFW Flag, Nate Hopkins; American Legion Flag, Ron Ganzer and Firing Squad, Don Burgrabe, Bill Hampsey, Fred Read, Bill Reynolds, Ron Russell, Jerry Swisher and Dale “Squeak” Wilson. Members of the National Guard Flag Detail participating were SPC Corey Brinkley and PVT 1st Class Zechariah Perruguet. Presentation of the flag to Mr. Barnett’s wife, Alice was by SPC Corey Brinkley. After the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at First Freewill Baptist Church of Marion for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “The American Cancer Society”. Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959. For additional information please call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

William Nelson Barnett

November 7, 1927 - January 6, 2012

Obituary & Service

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William Nelson Barnett

November 7, 1927 - January 6, 2012

Obituary & Service

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