Thomas Andrew Barnes, Sr., 88, Walker, MO, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at Moore-Few Care Center, Nevada. He was born on April 17, 1925, in Strang, OK, to J.H. Barnes and Elta (Neal) Barnes. He married Cora Imogene Newton on March 3, 1953, at Ft. Crowder, Neosho, MO, and she preceded him in death on June 16, 2005.

As a teenager "Andy" as he was known moved to Nevada. Shortly after, he began employment as a civilian contractor for three years in the Kansas City, MO, area. Andy then entered the U.S. Army. After his military service, he moved back to Nevada and worked in Ft. Scott, KS, for a time. He next moved back to Kansas City where he worked for Manley Truck Lines as a dock operator. He was a union member for 20 years. Altogether he spent greater than 20 years in active federal service. After retiring in 1983, he and his wife spent many years farming in Orrick, MO, until moving to Walker, MO, in 2002. Andy did a little hunting and fishing, enjoyed gardening and raising chickens until he was no longer able.

Survivors include two sons, Thomas A. Barnes, Jr. and Debbie, Walker, MO, and Billy Joe Barnes, Jonesboro, AR; one daughter, Sylvia Evans and Jim, Walker, MO, six grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Donna Ellis, and one granddaughter, Michelle Wright.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2014, at Newton Burial Park, Nevada, with Pastor Roger Beach officiating. The family receives friends from 6-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening March 26, 2014, at Ferry Funeral Home. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at the funeral home. Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the Vernon County Cancer Relief Fund in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, MO.