Clayburn "Sonny" W. Barnett Jr.

He was born on November 16, 1949, in Peoria, the son of Clayburn W. Barnett, Sr. and Betty (Walker) Barnett.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved little sister, Brenda Kinsel of Canton.

Clay, or “Sonny” as he was known to his family, attended Manual High School. While growing up on the South Side of Peoria, Clay had a reputation for mischief. He and his friends were known for getting in scrapes and trying to avoid issues with the law. He once swam across the Illinois River on a dare.

While in high school, he met the love of his life, Sally Davis. They were married 56 years. Sally was the North Star of Clay’s universe. He adored her, although his love language included daily poking fun at her driving and cooking. She enjoyed shooting her own zingers right back at him, and they lived a long and devoted life together filled with love, laughter and a one of a kind unique banter.

Clay and Sally had two children, Michelle and Scott. Through good times and bad, Clay was always their biggest supporter, and there was no end to his love for them.

Clay is survived by Sally, his children, Michelle (Chris) Stevens of Gridley and Scott Barnett of Mapleton; his sister, Diana Hall of Peoria; and his brother, Jim Barnett of Peoria. Clay is also survived and will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Ashlea (Steven) Duncan of El Paso; Zachary (Morgan) Stevens of Virginia; Dagan (Taylor) Stevens of El Paso; Garrett Stevens of Gridley; and Alexander Barnett of Goodfield. Clay also had four great-grandchildren: Kase, Lillea, Enslea and Evren, and a grand-dog named Gidget.

Clay entered the United States Army in 1969 and was stationed in Fort Polk, Louisiana and Fort Bragg, North Carolina and then he was transferred to Hanau, Germany. He was honorably discharged as an E5 in 1971. He enjoyed target shooting, hunting, fishing, bird watching and gardening. He loved being outdoors. He was also a drug-free weightlifter holding state, national and world records for bench press in the over 60 senior division.

A happily retired Teamster, he formerly drove a truck for Knox Motor Service, which became ATL Trucking, where he worked with his father, and then he drove for Roadway where he ended his 32 year driving career.

Clay was fiercely loyal to his family. There was no limit to his commitment to Sally, his kids or the remainder of his family.

He was cared for deeply by all the nurses at the Illinois Cancer Center. In his final days battling cancer, Clay reminded those who visited that he was a Christian and would see them again. He can now spend time with his parents and sister sitting under a shade tree.

Funeral services will be Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Rev. Michael Jones will officiate.

Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery.

The family will host a celebration of life to be scheduled at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate or Illinois Cancer Center on Rt. 91.