John Joseph Barnes, 88, of Wenona, passed away on Christmas day. Even as he prepared to enter eternity, he remained fiercely independent, sharp as a tack and Republican to the core. Now he has gone home to be with Margaret and Mary Jo.
John was born Feb. 19, 1925, in Minonk, to George and Genevieve (Walsh) Barnes. He married the former Margaret Campbell, of Earlville, on Jan. 19, 1952, at St. Teresa Church in Earlville. The Rev. Henry Hahn officiated.
He attended St. Patrick Grade School and Minonk High School, graduating in 1943. John lived all his married life in the Wenona area, raising his three daughters on the family farm before moving into town in retirement. Throughout his professional life he happily and successfully wore many hats; those of a farmer, mortician, salesman, driver's license examiner and state park ranger. A devoted husband and adoring father, John loved his girls and overflowed with pride in their accomplishments. Cheerful and positive, even the trials of age and declining health could not shake his sense of humor. He was blessed with many friends and never knew a stranger. He particularly cherished his friendship and the many lively conversations he shared with his parish priest, Father Luke. Of utmost importance to John was loyalty and love of family, and beyond that, faith in his God, which comforted and guided him every day he lived. By any measure he was a good and faithful servant. Surely the angels will lead him into paradise.
John is survived by two daughters, Kathleen Bishop, of Ottawa and Rose (Vic) Chirkin, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
John was preceded in death by his wife Margaret; his daughter, Mary Jo; his sister, Mary Barnes Mahoney; and his son-in-law, Robert Bishop.
John was born Feb. 19, 1925, in Minonk, to George and Genevieve (Walsh) Barnes. He married the former Margaret Campbell, of Earlville, on Jan. 19, 1952, at St. Teresa Church in Earlville. The Rev. Henry Hahn officiated.
He attended St. Patrick Grade School and Minonk High School, graduating in 1943. John lived all his married life in the Wenona area, raising his three daughters on the family farm before moving into town in retirement. Throughout his professional life he happily and successfully wore many hats; those of a farmer, mortician, salesman, driver's license examiner and state park ranger. A devoted husband and adoring father, John loved his girls and overflowed with pride in their accomplishments. Cheerful and positive, even the trials of age and declining health could not shake his sense of humor. He was blessed with many friends and never knew a stranger. He particularly cherished his friendship and the many lively conversations he shared with his parish priest, Father Luke. Of utmost importance to John was loyalty and love of family, and beyond that, faith in his God, which comforted and guided him every day he lived. By any measure he was a good and faithful servant. Surely the angels will lead him into paradise.
John is survived by two daughters, Kathleen Bishop, of Ottawa and Rose (Vic) Chirkin, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
John was preceded in death by his wife Margaret; his daughter, Mary Jo; his sister, Mary Barnes Mahoney; and his son-in-law, Robert Bishop.
John Joseph Barnes, 88, of Wenona, passed away on Christmas day. Even as he prepared to enter eternity, he remained fiercely independent, sharp as a tack and Republican to the core. Now he has gone home to be with Margaret and Mary Jo.
John was born Feb. 19, 1925, in Minonk, to George and Genevieve (Walsh) Barnes. He married the former Margaret Campbell, of Earlville, on Jan. 19, 1952, at St. Teresa Church in Earlville. The Rev. Henry Hahn officiated.
He attended St. Patrick Grade School and Minonk High School, graduating in 1943. John lived all his married life in the Wenona area, raising his three daughters on the family farm before moving into town in retirement. Throughout his professional life he happily and successfully wore many hats; those of a farmer, mortician, salesman, driver's license examiner and state park ranger. A devoted husband and adoring father, John loved his girls and overflowed with pride in their accomplishments. Cheerful and positive, even the trials of age and declining health could not shake his sense of humor. He was blessed with many friends and never knew a stranger. He particularly cherished his friendship and the many lively conversations he shared with his parish priest, Father Luke. Of utmost importance to John was loyalty and love of family, and beyond that, faith in his God, which comforted and guided him every day he lived. By any measure he was a good and faithful servant. Surely the angels will lead him into paradise.
John is survived by two daughters, Kathleen Bishop, of Ottawa and Rose (Vic) Chirkin, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
John was preceded in death by his wife Margaret; his daughter, Mary Jo; his sister, Mary Barnes Mahoney; and his son-in-law, Robert Bishop.
John was born Feb. 19, 1925, in Minonk, to George and Genevieve (Walsh) Barnes. He married the former Margaret Campbell, of Earlville, on Jan. 19, 1952, at St. Teresa Church in Earlville. The Rev. Henry Hahn officiated.
He attended St. Patrick Grade School and Minonk High School, graduating in 1943. John lived all his married life in the Wenona area, raising his three daughters on the family farm before moving into town in retirement. Throughout his professional life he happily and successfully wore many hats; those of a farmer, mortician, salesman, driver's license examiner and state park ranger. A devoted husband and adoring father, John loved his girls and overflowed with pride in their accomplishments. Cheerful and positive, even the trials of age and declining health could not shake his sense of humor. He was blessed with many friends and never knew a stranger. He particularly cherished his friendship and the many lively conversations he shared with his parish priest, Father Luke. Of utmost importance to John was loyalty and love of family, and beyond that, faith in his God, which comforted and guided him every day he lived. By any measure he was a good and faithful servant. Surely the angels will lead him into paradise.
John is survived by two daughters, Kathleen Bishop, of Ottawa and Rose (Vic) Chirkin, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
John was preceded in death by his wife Margaret; his daughter, Mary Jo; his sister, Mary Barnes Mahoney; and his son-in-law, Robert Bishop.
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