Obituary for Kenneth Williams Barnes
Kenneth William Barnes, 84, of Marshall, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2019. He was born on April 6, 1935, the son of the late Wellington Alexander Barnes and Irene (Buser) Barnes. Ken attended Thornton Fractional High School in Calumet City, IL. He served his country as Military Policeman and Honor Guard in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Ken had a long and distinguished professional career. He worked for Interstate Bakeries for almost twenty years; from salesman to division manager to sales manager. Ken opened his own business in 1979, the Dug-Out Restaurant in Marshall. He also had another business, Ken's Cafe. In 1996, Ken retired to Stuart Lake and then decided to work for another 4 years for the City of Marshall.
Ken is survived by his wife Verna Elaine (Motes) Barnes; four daughters, Cynthia (Larry) Shone, Laurie McLean, Lisa (Bruno) DuBois and Kimberly (Kalvin) Kalkowski; son, Kevin (Melissa) Barnes; stepson, Brett Hollins; two stepdaughters, Melanie (John) Durham and Kimberly Goeman; nineteen grandchildren, Ryan, Matthew, Kyle, Morgan, Gabe, Evianne, Alex, Amina, Keegan, Kaleb, Jacob, Jason, Erica, Chad, Amanda, Delaney, Trevor, Gavin and Haley; 28 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sharon Murrian and Pat Shoemaker and the mother of his children, Jeanette Szala Barnes. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bob Barnes and Rich Barnes.
Ken enjoyed model airplanes (and he won several world competitions), was a member of the Balsa Bees RC Club, loved working with hands, and fishing with his ever present sidekick, Browny. He was great sponsor of Marshall Community events and activities, including the county fair, 4-H, and the annual Fountain Barbeque.
A memorial visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, on Thursday August 29, 2019 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A private family graveside service will be held at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ken's name may be made to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan or Disabled Veterans.
Ken is survived by his wife Verna Elaine (Motes) Barnes; four daughters, Cynthia (Larry) Shone, Laurie McLean, Lisa (Bruno) DuBois and Kimberly (Kalvin) Kalkowski; son, Kevin (Melissa) Barnes; stepson, Brett Hollins; two stepdaughters, Melanie (John) Durham and Kimberly Goeman; nineteen grandchildren, Ryan, Matthew, Kyle, Morgan, Gabe, Evianne, Alex, Amina, Keegan, Kaleb, Jacob, Jason, Erica, Chad, Amanda, Delaney, Trevor, Gavin and Haley; 28 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sharon Murrian and Pat Shoemaker and the mother of his children, Jeanette Szala Barnes. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bob Barnes and Rich Barnes.
Ken enjoyed model airplanes (and he won several world competitions), was a member of the Balsa Bees RC Club, loved working with hands, and fishing with his ever present sidekick, Browny. He was great sponsor of Marshall Community events and activities, including the county fair, 4-H, and the annual Fountain Barbeque.
A memorial visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, on Thursday August 29, 2019 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A private family graveside service will be held at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ken's name may be made to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan or Disabled Veterans.