Marion- George Davis Barnett, 90, retired US Army Master Sergeant, passed away at 11:30 PM, Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at the CLC Building of the VA Hospital in Marion.
George was born on September 11, 1926 in Moberly, MO to George D. and Marguerite (Davis) Barnett. He graduated from Marion High School class of 1944.
He was a member of the armed forces for 25 years retiring in August 1970. He served in the US Navy during WWII aboard the USS LCS(L) #49 and was in the last invasion of WWII in Borneo. He also served two tours of duty in Vietnam with the US Army. Once he retired from the military, he returned home and began an eight year career as a prison guard for the Marion Federal Penitentiary.
He was a member of the Marion Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1301 for 60 years. He was past Worshipful Master of Marion AF&AM #89 of Marion. He was a member of the Scottish Rite and was a member of the Williamson County Shrine Club. He was also a lifelong member of the Marion Second Baptist Church.
Survivors include-
Son- Matthew L. Barnett and wife Lorie of Crainville
Grandchildren- Ronnie and Daniel Barnett of Crainville
He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father - Walter Whiting, step brother- Walter Whiting and several aunts and uncles.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Rev. Danny Ward will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Military rites will be performed at graveside by the Marion VFW and American Legion Posts with assistance from the Illinois National Guard. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until time of service, Saturday, at the funeral home. Masonic Rites will begin at 11:00 AM, Saturday at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion.
Memorial donations are suggested Shriner’s Hospital and will be accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home/ 800 N. Market St/ Marion, IL 62959. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.