Charles Ray Barnett

Charles “Ray” Barnett Jr., 83, of Springfield, passed away on Saturday February 28, 2015 at memorial Medical Center. He was born on February 24, 1932 in Kansas City, MO., to Charles Rayburn Barnett Sr., and Louise Kniffen. He married Joanne McFarden in Creve Cour, IL., on June 29, 1957 and she survives.

He is also survived by one son Charles Rayburn (Karen) Barnett III of Crystal Lake, IL., one daughter Sarah (John) Zelnio of Moline, IL., six grandchildren: Charles “Chaz” Rayburn Barnett IV, Sydney Ashton Barnett, Jackson Bernard Barnett, Kamryn Lee Louise Barnett, and Zachary and Zoe Zelnio.

Ray was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in Korea. After graduating from Bradley University he started working in advertising for Donnelly Directory 1957 and retired in 1992 as an Advertising Executive. He was a member of the Springfield Elks Lodge #158, the Korean War Veterans Association, and the Illinois Sheriff’s Association. Ray volunteered as a red coat at Memorial Medical Center and he was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan.

The family will meet friends for a memorial visitation on Monday March 2, 2015 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road, from 3:00pm-6:00pm. A private family burial with full Military Honors will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Korean War Veterans Association and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.