Edward " Ed " Joseph Barnes II's Obituary
Edward “Ed” Joseph Barnes II, 93, peacefully passed away on July 5th in Keller, TX.
Son of Marie Neverette and Edward J. Barnes, he was born July 14, 1930, in
Massena, NY. He graduated Saint Mary’s School in 1947 and shortly after, he entered
the United States Air Force. This was the year when the Army Air Forces (AAF) were
transferred from the Department of the Army to the Department of the Air Force and
established the USAF. He proudly worked on B-29's as a propeller mechanic. Ed had
an impressive 21-year career in the USAF. He received a Bronze Service Star for his
service in Vietnam and other Bronze Service Stars for multiple campaigns. He was
promoted to E-9 status Chief Master Sargeant before he retired in 1968.
Toward the end of his military career, Ed went to night school at Oklahoma University.
During this time, he accepted a job offer near Dallas, Texas. One stipulation was he
had to complete his degree. He did just that and earned his BBA from the University of
Texas at Arlington at the age of 43. The job he accepted when he moved the family to
Texas was with Ling-Temco-Vought later to become LTV Aerospace Corporation,
where he was a certified Logistician and Aerospace Engineer until his retirement in
1992. His professional career consisted of working mostly with the Army. He managed
many confidential projects in both Aerospace and Defense, being most proud of his
work on Army TACMS (Tactical Missile System) that was first used in combat during
the Gulf War conflict known as Operation Desert Storm in the early 90’s.
After retirement, he continued his passion in home improvement, anything to get him
outside. He was meticulous in the care of his yard and caring for his koi pond, which he
built himself. Ed loved his wife, June, and her cooking, especially her gyoza and spring
rolls. The family would laugh at how quickly June finished her meal before he was
finished salt and peppering (mostly peppering) his food- then mixing it all together
saying, “it all goes to the same place!” He loved Blue Bell butter-pecan ice cream and
would eat it every night if he could. His favorite color was red- he loved that red shag
carpet in his home before June finally made him change it. As a young man, he played
a little guitar, boxed and bowled. He really loved hunting and fishing for sport and
raising fish in aquariums and ponds. He was very proud of his 8-point deer head that
hung prominently above the fireplace. He even took up Aviculture for a few short years
raising finches of all kinds. He was great at numbers, and one could say that he LOVED
the stock market even when it didn’t love him back and advising family on finance
wanting to ensure they would plan for their future.
Ed really loved history and learning and, on any trip, where there was a roadside
historic marker or paragraphs long document at the National Archives, he would read it
carefully and make sure you read it too! Whether domestic or worldly travels, his
curiosity would continue well after he returned home, and he would research a little
deeper. Some highlight experiences would include his visit to Jerusalem, attending
mass at the Vatican, the tulips in Holland, an Alaskan cruise and everything about
Greece. He would bring home rolls of film and once developed, made countless photo
albums, labeling every photo, then invite you over to dinner so you could look through
the album mostly to relive his travels.
He would want you to know that he deeply loved the military and our flag, and, that he
was a devout Catholic, even though he cussed a little. St. Michael Catholic Church
became his home parish when it first opened, where mass was held in a Junior High
cafeteria. Ed contributed in time and talent as a Homebound Minister providing comfort
and service to the sick and homebound through presence, prayer and sharing of the
Holy Eucharist.
He was preceded to heaven by his father, mother, several aunts and uncles, his
beloved brother, Maurice Barnes of Delaware and daughter Deborah “D’Marie”
Barnes of New York. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Junko “June”, children:
Edward Barnes III of Corinth, TX (wife Polly), Raymond Ernest Barnes Rochester, NY,
Tawnda-Liea of Albany, NY (wife Kathy), Sanae Fulkerson of Bedford, TX (husband
Chuck), Rachel Jameson of Bedford, TX (husband Ken), and daughter-in-law Arlene
Barnes of Navarre, FL. Five grandchildren: Edward Jay Barnes, Douglas Joseph
Barnes, Raelyn Barnes, Zachary Colin Lucas and Miya Nicole Lucas. Great
grandchildren: Madison and Haden.
In his memory, donations can be made to his favorite organization, St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church
3713 E Harwood Rd., Bedford
10:00 AM, July 15, 2024
A reception will immediately follow
Interment with military honors at Bluebonnet Hills
Memorial Park, 5725 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville
12:30PM, July 15, 202
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