Charles (Charlie) Burton Barnett

Charles Burton Barnett (Charlie) died in Akron, OH, on January 16, 2022 at the age of 95, with his daughter Anne by his side. He lived a very full life.

He was born on October 21, 1926 in Ladysmith, WI. Upon graduation from high school, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Charlie graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from The University of Minnesota. He began his career working for Goodyear Aircraft in Akron, Ohio for 17 years. Also during the 1950’s, Charlie participated in many sports, receiving the Paul W. Litchfield Outstanding-Athlete-Of-The-Year Award. In his later years, Charlie adopted a self-tailored workout regimen which included daily jogging in the neighborhood, strength training in his basement, and later riding a stationary cycle to marching band music, right up through his 80’s.

As a young man Charlie was very active with the Weathervane and Coach House theaters, appearing in several leading roles. In 1957 he married his first wife, a native Akronite, Nancy Culberson. There they raised 4 children. Charlie was an enthusiastic member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where he served as acolyte director and was a member of the Men and Boys Choir for 30 years.

During the 1970’s, Charlie worked at Diebold Inc., where he became a primary developer of the pneumatic tube delivery system, which are still used by banks across the world. Charlie also taught at the University of Akron. In 1974, he joined Automatic Sprinkler in Cleveland for the remainder of his career. Charlie was a congenial, hard-working, and humble man. He holds eight U.S. patents. He served on various fire protection committees to further advance the field. Retiring in 1991, he remained a consultant, however, for many years. After losing wife Nancy in 2004, Charlie married Marily Shanabrook. They enjoyed sweet companionship in Akron and Falls Church, VA. Marily passed in 2016.

Charlie’s smile was ever-present and a fixture of his even-keeled demeanor. He was overjoyed anytime he could share a joke he found in newspapers. An avid reader and classical music lover, wherever Charlie was, the local classical music radio station was playing.

Charlie was preceded in death by his brother Darrell Barnett, and his sister Barbara Johnston (both MN), and his eldest daughter Susan Kosich (OH). He is survived by his children, David (SC), Linda (and David) Cash (AZ), Anne (and Steve) Elgin (NC); grandchildren, Lauren Cash (NV), Tyler Cash (CA), Dan Kosich (VA), Samantha Elgin (NH), Andrew Kosich (OH), Greg Elgin (UT).

A private interment was held on January 21, 2022 at St. Paul’s Memorial Garden, Akron, OH. A virtual memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 20th at 4PM ET. All those interested in attending please contact: celebratecbb@gmail.com for details.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested in honor of Charlie, to any of the following: The Salvation Army (Summit County, OH); Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services Foundation: Rockynol, Akron Capital Improvement Projects; Shriners Hospitals for Children Twin Cities, MN.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.