Richard J. Barnes, Sr.

Richard J. Barnes, Sr., 64, of Elkhart, died Friday morning, June 20, 2008, at his home after an extended illness. He was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, on September 30, 1943, to Albert and Dorothy (Powell) Barnes.  He married Martha L. DeHass on February 14, 1964 in Alliance, Ohio.  She preceded him in death on December 6, 2003. An Elkhart County resident since 1985, Mr. Barnes worked at Meijers in Goshen as a greeter and gas station attendant.  He had previously worked at the Farmers Exchange and at the Boys and Girls Club in Goshen.  A graduate of Pottsville High School and Salvation Army Training School in Suffren, New York, Mr. Barnes had worked as a Salvation Army officer for 15 years while in Ohio. He was a member of the Crossroads Community Church and the Maple City Kiwanis Club where he founded the Tools 4 School program. He is survived by a daughter, Candy (Edward) McMillen of Elkhart; two sons, Richard J. Barnes, Jr. of Mendon, Michigan, and William a. (Beth) Barnes of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; three grandchildren; a sister, Harriet Wade of Elkhart; and a brother, Albert (Patricia) Barnes of Pottsville, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha, and a brother, Robert Barnes. Friends may call 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 24 at Crossroads Community Church, 57415 Alpha Drive, Goshen. A 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2008, funeral service will be conducted at the Crossroads Community Church.  Pastor Marc Royer will officiate. Burial will be in Oakridge Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be made to Tools 4 School c/o Maple City Kiwanis Club.