John William Barnes' Obituary
John (Bill) William Barnes born September 28, 1938, in Muskegon, MI, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2020, at Metron of Big Rapids at the age of 81. His short battle with lung cancer ended and he went home to Jesus.
He married the love of his life, Patricia Larabee, on May 2, 1964, and they were happily married for 50 years when she passed in 2015. They resided in Reed City where they loved to camp, hunt and fish around the state of Michigan and Canada. He would share the catches with family and friends by having a fish fry or just give them away. He enjoyed nature and living off the land by growing and canning the produce he grew in his garden every year. For many years, he made his own maple syrup that he would sell or give away. He also raised a fawn (Bambi) at his home in Reed City.
He had many occupations that centered around machines and engines from a machinist to gas station owner to mechanic and finally a truck driver.
He was a proud, loving man of God. He and Pat found Dover Baptist Church of Bristol many years ago and worshiped there every Sunday when health would permit. They were fond of Pastor Ron and his wife, Sandy, along with the church community.
In January 2020, Spectrum Health Hospice was called, and he was taken to Metron of Big Rapids for his end of life care. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, social workers and staff of Spectrum Health Hospice and Metron of Big Rapids for caring for him in a gentle, affectionate manner. They greatly appreciated the amount of care and attention he received daily. And, the communication and consideration to the family was above and beyond what was expected during this difficult time.
He is survived by his children Jack, Cathy (Gary), Ken (Mary), LuAnn, Steve, Ginny, Ted (Pam), Cindy (Dan) and Billy (Jan) and several grandchildren; his sister, Sandy Wood; and brother, Gene (Marijo) Barnes. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; father, Frank Barnes; mother, Dorothy; and brothers, Gary, Russell and Dan.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2020 at the Dover Baptist Church of Bristol in Tustin, MI, with a luncheon immediately following. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.
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