PEKIN/Canton, Illinois - Donald Lewis "Don" Barnett

Find A Grave Contributor ID # 47214242

Donald L. Barnett, 53, of Pekin, IL., passed away on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Pekin Hospital in Pekin. He was born on May 1, 1968, in Canton, IL., to Donald and Frances "Franny" Barnett. He was never married and had no children.

Don is survived by his partner of 11 years, Bob Roemer of Pekin; his father, Donald Barnett of Canton; his sister and brother-in-law, Dawn and Joseph Putman of Canton; his nephew, Matt Putman of Hanna City, IL; and other various family members.

He was preceded in death by his Mother, Sister, Niece, Grandparents, and other various family members.

Don graduated high school from Canton High School in 1986. He went on to Spoon River College in Canton, where he got his associated degree in applied science of computer design, as well as certificates in web design web development, and graphic design, graduating in 2005.

Don was not a military man, nor was he a believer in faith. Don did believe there was a grand design to life, but not governed by a being that held the power of life and death for your soul.

Don was a member of the Fulton County Historical Society serving as the recording secretary and later the Newsletter Editor. He compiled and wrote the book, "Bernodotte: The Village of Seven Hills", and donated it to the society as well as helped with other society projects. He was also a member and past board member of the River City Bears of Peoria, a society that has since disbanded.

Due to his medical issues, Don was physically disabled for the past 11 years. Before his condition took him to disability status, Don had a sporadic and interesting career path, including but not limited to; computer/graphic design, library clerk, telecommunications, HR Clerk, warehouse, slaughterhouse, iron factory and occasional cartooning. His favorite past times included art cartooning, collecting old toys, investigating the history of Fulton County, Illinois, genealogy, watching the Cubs Win the World Series, using his imagination, and attending to his cats.

It was Donald's sincerest desire to donate as much of himself to help those in need. He supported the idea that if through his donation, if even 1 persons quality of life was enhanced or even saved, his life would have fulfilled a greater purpose. With his donations he has donated enough of himself to help up to 25 people suffering with possible amputations, skin grafts, breast cancer augmentation surgery, plus babies with congenital heart issues.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A visitation service will be held on, Monday June 28th from 4-5pm. There will be no religious officials officiating the proceedings. There will be a moment for anyone that would like to share their fond memories of a special man that will be missed by many.

"My life has been lived only to survive. Because I could not truly live, I need you to promise me you will live your life to its fullest with love, kindness and heart." – Don's Last Wish for everyone.

Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Hines Funeral Home in Canton for help with burial and other related expenses. The remainders will be donated in trust from the funeral home to the Kidney and Heart foundations for research to help find a cure for Kidney Failure and the Heart Diseases caused from Kidney Failure.

Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, IL., will be overseeing the arrangements made by family.