Mark Steven Barnett

Mark Steven Barnett of Savoy, formerly of Champaign & Urbana, died on Thursday, September 2, 2021 after a long battle with FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia) & Parkinson’s Disease surrounded by his wife and sons at home.

Mark was the first of five children born to Mildred (Torcaso) Barnett and Norman Barnett in Urbana on August 31, 1953. 

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Norman Barnett.

Mark is survived by his wife of 31 years, Elizabeth (Beth Scheurich) Barnett and two sons, Gabriel (Gabe) (girlfriend, Ashley) of Chicago and Graham of Savoy. Also surviving are his mother, Mildred (Nonni), and siblings, Rachel Kruidenier of Solsberry, Indiana, Jim of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sarah (Robert) Nemeth of Sadorus, Illinois and John of Coldwater, Ohio.

Marked worked for many years at the Service/Piccadilly Liquor Stores—a family business started by his grandfather, Mandel Barnett and later owned and operated by his father, Norman. He also worked for many years at Premium Brands.

Mark was a kind and friendly person to everyone. Mark loved listening to jazz music—especially Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Art Pepper. Mark also had an encyclopedic knowledge of wine and loved to share a bottle with friends. Mark was also an avid sports fan. He loved cheering on the Illini and watching sports with his boys or taking them on in the driveway basketball court. 

Mark and Beth were married in Urbana on May 6, 1990. They were blessed with two amazing sons—Gabe in 1996 and Graham in 1998. They also shared their home with many four-legged family members over the years, including 7 cats and 10 dogs: currently their two cats, Sidney and Mila, and dogs, Wrigley and Ernie. 

Mark was a member of the Bondville United Methodist Church for the last 20 years and enjoyed singing with the choir.

Mark’s family would like to thank the many folks who helped manage his illness, including the amazing nurses at Carle and Mark’s neurologist, Dr. Daniel Llano. Thank you also to the staff at Traditions Hospice.

A visitation/celebration for Mark will be held at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, Urbana on Friday, September 10, from 5 to 8 pm and there will be a church service at Bondville United Methodist Church in Bondville on Saturday, September 11 at 11:00 am. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Bondville United Methodist Church Project LIFT or the Champaign County Humane Society. 

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

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