William “Bill” Paul Barnett, 85, of Humboldt died Friday, March 12, 2010, in Humboldt.
He was born April 15, 1924, in Humboldt, the son of Cloud Sherwood and Eulalia Lillian (Palstring) Barnett. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1941 and received a bachelor of science degree in agriculture and food technology from Oregon State University in 1952.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1947 as an aviation machinist mate First USN, before receiving an honorable discharge.
He was married to Carol Parkhurst in Los Angeles, Calif., in 1944. They divorced in 1991.
He worked as a plant manager in the food processing industry for Sunnyland Juice Company and Dude Ranch Foods. He also worked at Maxx Factor and in the logging industry, as well as making stained glass windows for Carrot Company.
He was a member and past president of the Humboldt Historical Society and a member of the Southeast Kansas Rock and Mineral Club. He was an avid rock and bottle collector. He restored the cannon at the Humboldt Historical Museum. He made marbles for more than 50 years, raised peacocks and was an avid reader.
He is survived by a daughter, Celia Faith Knight, Los Angeles; a granddaughter, Pandora Kronenburg, Los Angeles; and two great-grandchildren.
A daughter, Rebecca Hope Barnett, brothers, Rex Sherwood, Robert Nelson and James Earl; a sister, Maida Beth (Barnett) Johnson; and an infant sibling died earlier.
Cremation has taken place.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Mount Hope Cemetery in Humboldt.
Memorials to Humboldt Historical Society or Humboldt Public Library may be left at Penwell-Gabel Humboldt Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements. To leave a message for the family online visit PenwellGabelHumboldt.com.
‘Bill’ Barnett
