Vh Barnes

VH "Barney" Barnes, 88, went to be with his Lord, March 27, 2018 in Kingsville, Texas. He was born in Lanty, Arkansas on November 9, 1929 to Martin VanBuren Barnes and Clara Gentry Barnes. He quickly became an "Okie," growing up in Anadarko, Oklahoma. After working at a grocery store and a soda fountain as a teenager, a buddy challenged him asking, "Hey, why don't we join the Navy?" Barney replied, "Sure, why not!" So Barney signed up with the Navy, beginning a twenty year career. He married Betty Lou Schoonover and began to "see the world," including being assigned to serve in the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (the Seabees) and service on board the USS Bellatrix. The Navy soon led them to Illinois, Japan, New Orleans and finally to Kingsville. With three daughters now, Barney was assigned to VT-21 as Chief Petty Officer, retiring in 1967. After his military service he began a twenty-two year career with Hoechst Celanese. After his second retirement he enjoyed working for Don Brock Security at various King Ranch gates, a stint lasting twenty-three years.
Although he did not have hobbies such as hunting and fishing, he relished working for the Lord through the ministries at Retama Park Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon.
Barney particularly enjoyed the following:
• Men's Southern gospel quartet music… especially the guy singing bass.
• Dallas Cowboy football…winning or losing…but mostly when they've just thrashed the Eagles (which doesn't happen often).
• The morning newspaper and coffee…in that order!
• James Herriot novels…All Things Bright and Beautiful
• His wife and three daughters…in a house filled with women, Barney called himself "The Poor Guy!"
He is preceded in death by his parents Martin and Clara Barnes; wife, Betty Lou Schoonover Barnes; brother, Gene Barnes; sister, Betty Barnes Ware; grandson, Cameron Redus; son-in-law, Louis Hollers.
He is survived by three daughters: Patty Hollers (Lou, deceased) of Ft. Worth, Susie Barnes of Kingsville, and Valerie Redus (Mickey) of Baytown; nine grandsons: Samuel Hollers of Ft. Worth, Joshua Hollers of Abilene, Jonathan Hollers of Arlington, Michael Hollers (Kirsty) of Dallas, Benjamin Hollers of Austin, Kristopher Redus (Rebecca) of Corpus Christi, Everett Redus, Ethan Redus and William Redus of Baytown; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters: LaVonne Williams (Bill) of Kingston, Oklahoma and Jeanette Gibson (Ray) of Wellwood, Florida.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 31, 1:00pm at Retama Park Baptist Church,
515 E. General Cavazos Blvd, Kingsville with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Retama Park Baptist Church, Kingsville.

Service