Norman W. Barnett 79, of Urbana died Thursday, October 16, 2008 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 19, 2008 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana. There will be no public services.

Mr. Barnett was born on March 15, 1929 in Pontiac, IL the son of Mandel and Mildred Scholl Barnett. He married Mildred Louise Torcaso on November 18, 1951 in Champaign, she survives.

Also surviving are five children; Mark (Beth) of Champaign, Rachel (Richard) Kruidenier of Eaton, Colorado, James of Williamsburg, Iowa, Sarah (Robert) Nemeth of Sadorus and John (Melissa) of Phoenix, Arizona, brother-in-law; James Torcaso of Knoxville, Tennessee and seven grandchildren; Lukas, Bastian and Christopher Kruidenier of Colorado, Gabriel and Graham Barnett of Champaign, and Megan and Jacob Barnett of Phoenix.

Mr. Barnett graduated from Champaign High School in 1947 and the University of Illinois College of Communications with a degree in Advertising in 1951.

He was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Wheelus Field, Tripoli, Libya. After returning from the military, he ran the family business of retail liquor stores until they were sold in 1984. He then taught at the U of I in the College of Commerce for 24 years, retiring in 2004.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society, 1911 East Main St. Urbana, IL 61801 or the Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois, 302 East Stoughton, Champaign, IL 61820.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.