Kenneth A. Barnes

Kenneth A Barnes, age 71, of Gobles, fondly known to many as “Kenny” or “Barney,” passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo with his family at his side. He was the son of Ovie E. and Verna (Clark) Barnes, born on December 28, 1948, in Allegan, MI. He spent his younger years living in Allegan, Plainwell, and on a farm near Bloomingdale. He spent most of his life in the Allegan area in Cheshire and Trowbridge townships. He grew up helping his father farm with horses and became a very accomplished equestrian. He lived an adventurous life from building and racing cars, cruising on his motorcycle, to racing his dirt bike. He enjoyed horseback riding, camping, and hobby farming. He was a man of many talents and could figure out how to build or fix anything from rebuilding a motor to building a barn. He loved to work with his hands, from woodworking projects to fixing and painting cars. He enjoyed talking with his friends for hours over a cup of coffee that he always had ready. He had a love for dogs and horses who held a special place in his heart throughout the years. His “boys,” Buster and Apollo, will miss him much. Surviving are his wife, Lisa (Edwards) Barnes, who loved him dearly; three daughters who he was proud of and loved dearly, Jill Barnes-Caudill of Gobles, Michele Spicer of Sand Lake, and Kathryn (Travis) Utter of Marcellus; four grandchildren Ethan, Gavin, Oliver, and Owen Spicer; his sister, Sue Griffith; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, baby girl (Julie Ann) Ciborski and Melissa Valerie Barnes; a brother, Paul Stewart; and his close friend, Mike Peplaski. He will be laid to rest with his parents in Trowbridge Methodist Cemetery in a private graveside service. A memorial service will take place at a later time. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Project Hope Food Pantry in Dorr, Bronson Methodist Hospital, the American Diabetes Association, or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Gobles Chapel, D.L. Miller Funeral Home in Bloomingdale, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com.

Kenneth A. Barnes

December 28, 1948 - May 13, 2020