Merle V. Barnes, 76, East Freedom RD 1, died Thursday morning, Aug. 24, 2000, at Altoona Hospital emergency room. He was born March 5, 1924, in Bedford County, the son of Dossie and Maye (Akers) Barnes. He married Ruth E. Butler July 26, 1946, in Cumberland, Md. Mr. Barnes was a member of Smith Corner Independent Mennonite Church, East Freedom RD, and was a church trustee. He retired from the maintenance department of Appleton Papers Inc., Roaring Spring, in 1987, after 30 years of service. Mr. Barnes was a 1942 graduate of Northern Bedford High School. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Mr. Barnes enjoyed woodworking and fishing. Surviving are his wife; two daughters: Joyce Himes of Hollidaysburg and Kathy Culp of Duncansville, a son, Lester Butler of Coatesville; a sister, Bertha Snider of Armagh; two brothers: Elden of Johnstown and Elmer of New Enterprise RD; eight grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday at J. Gary Thompson Funeral Home, Roaring Spring.

BARNES -- Funeral services for Merle V. Barnes of East Freedom RD 1 will be held at 5 p.m. Monday at Smith Corner Independent Mennonite Church, East Freedom RD, by Pastor David McClanahan. Interment will be made at Holsinger Cemetery, Bakers Summit. Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday at J. Gary Thompson Funeral Home, Roaring Spring. He was preceded in death by five brothers: Alfred, Sherman, Roy, Clarence and Grant; and a sister, Blanche Rose Bowser. Memorial contributions may be given to the Smith Corner Independent Mennonite Church, Route 164, (Johnstown Road), East Freedom, PA 16637.
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"In Remembrance" card from funeral home

In Memory of Merle V. Barnes

Date of Birth: March 5, 1924
Date of Death: August 24, 2000

Place & Time of Memorial Services: Smith Corner
Independent Mennonite Church
East Freedom RD, Pennsylvania
5:00 pm Monday, August 28, 2000

Clergy: Pastor David McClanahan

Interment: Holsinger Cemetery, Bakers Summit, PA
August 28, 2000

Arrangements by The J. Gary Thompson Funeral Home
Roaring Spring, PA
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