Robert Howard Barnett

Robert Howard Barnett, 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026, at his home in Downers Grove. 

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Janet, his three children Robert T. (Cary Barnett), Peter (Cindy Barnett) and Sarah (Jon Oestermeyer), his brother, Thomas Barnett, and nine grandchildren, Robert N., Ana, and Will Barnett, Betty, Wini and Maggie Barnett, and Jake, Sofie and Luke Oestermeyer. 

Bob was born in Chicago on September 24, 1943 to Robert E. and Winifred Barnett. He became a child of the heavenly Father through the waters of baptism as an infant. He lived in the Morgan Park neighborhood until the age of seven, when his parents moved to Clarendon Hills and then later to Oakbrook. Bob earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rose Polytechnic Institute in Terre Haute, IN, where he met Janet. They were married on June 11, 1966 in New Boston, IN and moved to Toledo, OH. He confirmed his faith later that year at Good Shephard Lutheran Church in Toledo.  

Bob and Janet moved to Clarendon Hills in 1969, and Bob was an owner of Barnett Bates Corporation, a manufacturing plant in Joliet, IL. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hinsdale where he served in several roles over the years as an elder, a trustee, and a member of the Board of Education. Bob was also active in the community as member of the Graue Mill Board of Directors. 

Bob had nine grandchildren who love him very much and will miss him every day. He left an amazing legacy of faith for his family. He was a man filled with unbounded patience and believed we should all “Act, not react.” In other words, act as Christ instructs us to, and not in reaction to other’s actions. His faith was made stronger through regular worship and prayer lists he would write down...later to be shown God’s hand in things by the results of those prayers. His faith calmed him, and he relied on it daily. 

Bob could often be found among the hundreds of thousands of spectators at the Indy 500 race for the last 50 years. Janet guided him to become a Cubs fan, and his favorite destinations and vacations mostly included the beaches of Michigan and Sanibel Island…building sand castles and walking the beach on the hunt for beach glass which became a pastime that has been handed down to his family that they continue to enjoy. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Worship Anew. Worship Anew provides resources that strengthen and support the spiritual, mental, and physical well-being of aging adults and those who minister and care for them. Started more than 50 years ago by Rev. Oswald Bertram whom Bob called both pastor and friend, Worship Anew was enjoyed by Bob who often listened to their weekly broadcasts.

Visitation is from 11:00a.m. to 12:30p.m. Sunday, May 17, at Zion Lutheran Church, 204 S. Grant St., Hinsdale, IL.  Family and friends will meet for a funeral service at 12:30p.m. immediately following the visitation. Private interment will be on Monday, May 18.

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