David M. Barnett

David M. Barnett, 84, of Rantoul, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

He was born May 31, 1941, in Champaign, Illinois, to Orville “Dale” and Ida Mae Barnett. On December 27, 1968, he married the love of life, Linda Hess. Together they built a life filled with family, laughter, music, and unwavering devotion. Linda survives.

He is also survived by his children: David “Mike” (Kori) Barnett, Steven (Elisha) Barnett, Parker Wolf “Deborah Barnett” and William “Bill” (Rebecca) Barnett; his beloved grandchildren, Dayna (Chad) Walger, Mitchell (Nicole) Barnett, Kristen (Thomas) Soper, Joshua (Liza) Barnett, Andrew (Katie) Barnett, Katrina Barnett, Jacob (Emily) White, Sam (Sarah) White, Brandon (Haleigh) Barnett, and Gage Barnett; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Madelyne and Claire Walger, Logan and Julia Barnett, Faye, Quillan, and Iris Soper, Dominik Barnett, and Aubrey and Knox White. He is also survived by his sister, Linda (Larry) Willis.

David was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Julie Anne Wargolet; and his sister, Ellen Dierker.

David grew up in Rantoul alongside his sisters and attended Myna Thompson Grade School. Because his father served in the Army, the family moved often during his childhood before eventually settling in Wauconda, Illinois, where he attended high school.

In August 1959, David joined the United States Air Force. After completing basic training, he returned to Rantoul and was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base. In 1963, with determination and an entrepreneurial spirit, he opened Dave’s Music Company—first on the enclosed front porch of his home. Over time, the business expanded, and he built a storefront that still stands today. Dave’s Music Co. sold guitars, drums, band, and orchestra instruments. Dave’s Music Company also provided instrument rentals to schools throughout the area and eventually expanded to a second store in Urbana, Ill. Music was not just his business—it was his passion.

In 2001, David and Linda moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He worked as a manager at an animal hospital before returning to his love of sales at Raymour & Flanigan, one of the largest furniture retailers on the East Coast. After courageously battling cancer and emerging cancer-free, David continued working until Linda’s retirement in 2016, when they returned home to the Rantoul area.

Above all else, David was a family man. While working and raising his children, he made “Sunday Family Day” a priority—packing up for picnics, hiking at Kickapoo State Park, and gathering everyone for family meals. Those simple traditions became lifelong memories.

He loved Western movies, coffee outings, and especially his dogs—Sadie, Sarah, and Buddy. He had a magnetic personality and a positive outlook that never seemed to fade. David loved telling jokes, sharing stories about history, and making sure the people around him were smiling. His joy was contagious, and his presence filled every room.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Lux Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul, IL 61866. David will be laid to rest at Elmwood Cemetery.

The family invites you to share memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.