Barnes, Charles Clifford 1922-2005

BARNES, WICKLIFF, WAISNER

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 11/6/2009 at 13:21:49

Charles Clifford Barnes was born on March 3, 1922 in Marion County, Iowa. He was one of two children born to Florence Olive Wickliff and William Arlen Barnes. Charles graduated from Knoxville High School in 1940. He served in the US Navy during World War II as a machinist’s mate. Charles received a Bachelor of Science Degree in forestry from Iowa State University.

On November 26, 1945 Charles was united in marriage to Elizabeth Henrietta Waisner. To this union three children were born.

Charles’ love of nature, soil conservation and forestry took him to employment with the US Department of Agriculture in Texas and various locations in Colorado and Wyoming. Charles retired in 1977 and returned to Knoxville in 1979.

After his retirement Charles became very active in the Marion County Historical Society. He was also a member of New Covenant Baptist Church and National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). Volunteering was a big part of Charles’ life. He helped with his church, historical society and any friend or neighbor that needed any assistance. The beauty of God’s creations in nature was important to Charles. He enjoyed woodworking and tackled making bookcases as well as smaller projects. Gardening was a pass time. He raised flowers, vegetables, fruit and nut trees. Melons and gladiolas were specialties for him. Over the years he planted walnut, hickory nut and butternut trees. Charles was happy to relieve Elizabeth of the baking chores. The family and friends fondly remember his fruitcakes, cookies and candies.

During his younger days Charles enjoyed hunting big game like elk, moose and bear. Charles spent many enjoyable hours playing pitch, pinochle and bridge. Quiet time was spent reading westerns and mysteries.

Charles Clifford Barnes passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at the Comfort House in Pella at the age of 82 years, 10 months and 1 day.

His parents and stepfather, Vernon Nissen preceded him in death.

Those left to mourn his passing is his wife of 59 years, Elizabeth Barnes of Knoxville; one daughter and her husband, Beverly and Martin Kloosterman of Kalamazoo, MI; two sons and their wives, Clifford and Joye Lynn Barnes of Parker, CO and Brian Barnes and Jeannine Alexander of Ledyard, CT; one granddaughter, Sara Barnes of Parker, CO; one sister, Dorothy DeBolt of Santa Rosa, CA; one half-sister, Sharon Barnes of Rio Rancho, NM and two half-brothers, William Barnes of Des Plaines, IL and Donald and his wife, Betsey Barnes of Frankford, MO.

A Celebration of the Life of Charles Clifford Barnes was held on Saturday, January 8, 2005 at the New Covenant Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Craig Bex officiating. Military honors were provided by John Myers VFW Post #3519, Baty-Tucker American Legion Post #168, US Navy Casualty Assistance Corp. Friends called at Williams Funeral Home on Friday. Memorials in his memory may be made to the Marion County Historical Society or the New Covenant Baptist Church.

Casket bearers were Gib Dean, John Dooley, David Kirkpatrick, Harold Moon, Ron Sterling and Bill Thomas. Honorary casket bearers were Delbert Estes, Max Hall and Eugene Voga.

Music was provided by Janet Westberg, vocalist and Renabell Adams, organist. Songs were “How Great Thou Art”, “In the Garden” and “Dear Hearts and Gentle People”. The congregation sang “What A Friend We Have In Jesus.”

Williams Funeral Home May 4, 2005