Submitted by: Dan Rich

Richard A. Barnes

July 31, 1944 - Nov. 18, 2001

South Bend Tribune 11/21/2001

Richard A. Barnes, 57, of Osceola, Ind., passed away Sunday, November 18, in his home in Osce-ola after an illness. Richard was born on July 31, 1944, to Grover C. and Clarissa E. (Hutchins) Barnes in Mishawaka, Ind. He was a graduate of Mishawaka High School, class of 1962, and has lived in the Michiana area his whole life. He served two years active duty in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Ruchamkin.

On April 24, 1965, he married Nola G. Black in the First Baptist Church of Mishawaka. He served an electrical apprenticeship and was a 37-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 153. In later years he served as an electrical estimator and project manager. Richard was a volunteer for many years in local youth swimming organizations. He was an enthusiastic go-cart driver and an active member of the Michiana Kart Klub. He was involved for a number of years with the Michiana Corvair Club. He also served many years as a volunteer firefighter with the Osceola Fire Department.

Richard is survived by his wife, Nola G.; their five children, Mark A. (Dawn) Barnes of Osceola, Ind., Cheryl L. (Denny) Pellow of Niles, Mich., Karen S. Barnes of Washington, D.C., Brian E. Barnes of Lawrence, Kan., Steven R. Barnes of Dallas, Texas; and three grandchildren, Madison Pellow, and Alec and Ashlynne Barnes. He is also survived by his mother, Clarissa E. Barnes of Mishawaka; his sister, Barbara A. (Ken) Slack of Granger, Ind.; and two brothers, Harold R. (Anne) Barnes of Punta Gorda, Fla., and Ronald G. (Linda) Barnes of Exton, Pa. He was preceded in death by his father, Grover C. Barnes in 1999. Richard will be remembered for his generosity and devotion to family, big bear hugs, and the unselfish example he set for all of those whose lives he has touched.

Family and friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 23, in the Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 24, in the Twin City Baptist Church, 420 E. Jefferson Blvd., Mishawaka, Pastor Jerry Bell officiating. There will be an hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola. Memorial contributions may be made to the Twin City Baptist Church.