Donald Rodney Barnes
August 19, 1929 - January 12, 2019
Our loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband, passed away from pneumonia on January 12, 2019 after living a long, full and vital life.
Don was one of nine children of Ernest Cellan Barnes and Lue Verde Howard, Barnes, Mitchell, Snow. He was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri.
He served several years in the United States Air Force.
Don married Bonnie LeBreton on June 20, 1954 in Elko, Nevada and later divorced.
Pop was a dedicated, loving and amazing father to Rory and Robyn, the loves of his life.
Don married Mary Glezos, Forsman on September 12, 1989 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Pop's unwavering 46-year love affair with his wife Mary and her son Victor was truly amazing. Victor and Mary have been a mother, grandmother (Yia Yia), great-grandmother, uncle, great-uncle and brother to us every step of Pop's wonderful life. We will be forever grateful and love them dearly.
Dad/Pop was a wonderful person with a heart of gold whose family meant the world to him, and he most definitely meant the world to them. He cherished being with the people he loved. Being with his children and their families was truly the highlight of his life. Pop was a remarkable man who cared for his family with immense generosity and dedication. His smile could light up a room and his sense of humor was on 24 hours a day 7 days a week. His jokes, although sometimes R-rated, could make you roll your eyes or pass your drink through your nose, but they always made you smile; Pop had a knack for lightening the atmosphere. He loved all teams Kansas City and his Utah Jazz. He was always true to himself and we all loved him for that. We admire his strength, care, intelligence, wit and charisma.
Family gatherings will never be the same, although the memory of you will always lighten up the room for all in the future. Although our hearts are broken, they are full of the memories of you.
Dad, you may not have written the book, but you definitely wrote a very valuable chapter of how to be an amazing father and grandfather. We can only hope to be as good of parents/grandparents as you were. We love you so much!
We will and already miss you terribly, but you will always live on in our hearts!
Don is survived by his son Rory and daughter-in-law Cori Barnes, daughter Robyn Powers, stepson's Victor and Ted Forsman, grandchildren Merceydes (Alex) Lopez, Jake (Devon) Barnes, Jimmy (Lindsey) Powers and Baylee (Nick) Drage, great-grandchild Gabriel Barnes, brother's Edward and George Barnes and sister Beth Ann Lund.
Preceded in death by parents, brothers Noel, David and Steve, sisters Darlene and Helena, stepson Ernie Forsman and grandson Braydon Barnes.
A celebration of his life will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor 3651 South 900 East, Monday, January 21st from 12:00pm until 2:00pm. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don's name to the Humane Society of Utah.
In Loving Memory
We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. Don was one of the most amazing men we have known. He was always so helpful, funny, thoughtful, and caring man to know. He was such a joy to have as our neighbor and he will be rememdered. We couldn't have asked for better neighbors then Don and Mary. Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers for his family.
Rory and family So very sorry about your father. You are in our thoughts.
Pop, was a great guy. Always a comedian. And always at everyone of the grandkids sporting events.... he will me missed... thinking of you YaYa... Season B
Don was great guy! He always had a joke, a smile and a contagious laugh! He raised 2 great kids and was at the top when it came to being a Grandpa. I am sorry for your lose. He will be missed. Thoughts and Prayers Troy
Don was a great addition to our Greek community and little Baylee was our sweet heart. He certainly made Mary happy! Please continue to come visit us. I wish I had known about the services, I would have been there. All my love, Geri Carr
I had know idea that Uncle Don just passed recently, I know we are terrible at keeping in touch, but he was a great guy, I always remember his laughter and good spirit, I remember at Robins Wedding, he was so happy dancing with all the girls, Bev and I where there and he was turning on the charm with her and we hadn't been dating that long, it was Great, I am glad I found you both again, please keep in touch. Bert and Beverly Mathews
In Loving Memory
