Charles Edward Barnes: A Life of Service and Community

Charles Edward Barnes, a veteran, chemist, and devoted family man, passed away recently in Palestine, Texas. Born on January 28, 1928, in Cleveland, Oklahoma, Barnes lived a full life marked by service to his country, a successful career, and a deep appreciation for simple joys.

Early Life and Military Service

Barnes spent his youth in Cleveland, Oklahoma, developing a love for the outdoors through hunting and fishing. He graduated from Cleveland High School around the time his father returned from his service during World War II at Guadalcanal. In January 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as a radar operator aboard the USS Antietam (CV-36) aircraft carrier in the Pacific Theater. He received an honorable discharge in December 1947.

Education and Career

Following his military service, Barnes attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater for three years before embarking on a 28-year career with J.M. Huber Corporation in Borger, Texas. He worked as a lab chemist, meticulously testing carbon samples.

Family and Community

Barnes married Eulala Pavlicek and together they had two daughters, Celeste and Brenda. Later in life, he married Joyce Neal, and they enjoyed 53 years of marriage. He was a kind and humorous man, known for his warm smile and ability to connect with others. He enjoyed hobbies such as golf, handball, bowling, fishing, woodworking, and reading, though his eyesight was later affected by macular degeneration. At his nursing home, he found joy in bird watching, even mimicking their calls, and participating in Gospel singing.

Loss and Legacy

Barnes was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; his parents, Charles and Belle Jane Barnes; sister, Charlene Sharpnack; brother-in-law, Mitch Sharpnack; and daughter, Celeste Barnes, and grandson Hilton Holman, III (Tray).

He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Walker and her husband Stack of Palestine; stepdaughters, Sheran Murdock of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, and Theresa Smith of Lubbock; stepson Pastor Bob Neal of Sulphur Springs; grandson, Justin Holman and his wife Julie; two great-grandsons, Tray and Jaxon Holman; eight step-grandchildren; ten step-great-grandchildren; and eight step-great-great-grandchildren.

Memorials

A private graveside service was held in Borger, Texas. The family requests that memorial donations be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Herrington Funeral Home and Legacy.com provided obituary information.