Obituary of Donald Ray Barnes

Donald Ray Barnes, 89, of Girard, passed away on September 17, 2023 at Lakeside Health and Rehab Center in Carlinville, IL. Don was preceded in death by his infant brother Robert “Bob” Barnes. His parents, Ray and Florence Barnes. His infant great-granddaughter Tabitha Collins. Son-in-law Patrick Darrow, and his wife Hazel (Roark) Barnes. Don is survived by his children Donna (Richard) Miller of Nilwood, IL; Brad (Mark McGrew) Barnes of Jacksonville, IL; Granddaughters Laura (Jason) Collins of Eureka, IL; Jessica Wise of Rockford IL. and great-grandchildren Joey and Lizzie Collins; Zayne Wise; Brailyn, Breckyn and Brinlyn Gibson. Several nieces, and nephews and many friends. Don was born in Girard to Ray and Florence (Spears) Barnes on January 25, 1934. He was raised in and lived most of his life in Girard. As a young man, Don joined the United States Air Force where he received an honorable medical discharge. On May 30, 1954 Don married Hazel (Roark) Barnes. The two of them together enjoyed 64 years of wedded bliss and two children. During their years together Don and Hazel were the owners and proprietors of Hazel’s Dairy Cream and Girard Laundromat both in Girard, as well as Barnes Variety Center in both Girard and Morrisonville. Don also worked for Sears Roebuck and Company for 30+ years In addition to his work, Don was active in both his community and with his church. Among these activities, Don served as a Troop Leader for the Girard Boy Scout Troop. He was an active member of both the Girard Cemetery Board and the Girard Community Library Board. Additionally, Don was a member of the Model A Ford Club and held various positions on boards for the First Church of God in Springfield where he attended. However, of all the positions that Don held the one that he was best at was that of grandpa. Don was the epitome of the word. A true knight in shining armor. A man who spoiled his children and grandchildren to the fullest extent and who loved them beyond measure. He rejoiced in taking his grandchildren on rides in the Model A Ford that he restored. He was known for his bad “dad jokes” and telling tall tale stories. He delighted in bragging about his family and never met a stranger. Don was a true role model and taught his family how to have kindness towards everyone. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm at Davis Anderson Funeral Home, Girard Illinois Funeral services will be held 10:30am Friday, September 22, 2023 at Davis Anderson Funeral Home, Girard Illinois with Jay Kroft and Amy Bickel, officiating. Burial will follow at the Girard Cemetery. Memorials may be given to First Church of God, Springfield IL or the Girard Community Library. The family of Don Barnes wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Lakeside Health and Rehab Center and Promedica Hospice for their wonderful care.