Retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Kenneth John Barnett, 71, of Troy, Ill., born June 11, 1937, in Murphysboro, Ill., died Monday, April 6, 2009, at Kendred Health Care Center, St. Louis, Mo.

Mr. Barnett had retired from the U.S. Marine Corps. While in the marines he served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was a member of VFW Post 976 of Troy, Ill., and the American Legion Post 708 of Troy, Ill.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Carl G. and Marie, nee Hemmen, Barnett; a daughter, Ann Marie Barnett; and brothers, Carl and Fred Barnett and Dale Haeffner.

Surviving are his wife, Rosemarie, nee Bednarkewicz, Barnett of Troy, Ill.; sons, Kenneth (Michelle) Barnett of St. Louis, Mo., and Donald Barnett of St. Louis, Mo.; daughter, Alice Collins of St. Louis, Mo.; brothers, Danny (Joyce) Haeffner of St. Louis, Mo., and Kasel (Wanda) Barnett of East St. Louis, Ill.; sisters, Carlene Johnson of Dupo, Ill., and Stella Embrick of Granite City, Ill.; grandchildren, Jeff Barnett, Christopher Collins, Stephen Collins, Dustin Dowell, Andrew Barnett and Isabella Barnett; and a great-grandchild on the way.


Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at Laughlin-Richeson Funeral Home in Troy, Ill.

Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 9, 2009, at the funeral home with the Rev. Charles West officiating. Interment with full military honors in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Mo.