Bobby Ray Barnes

Bobby Ray Barnes was born July 3, 1950 and went to be with his heavenly father November 25, 2015 at the age of 65. He lived in Oklahoma City most of his adult life. Bobby graduated from Classen High in Oklahoma City and after completion of his military tour in Vietnam, attended college at Rose State. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in early 1970, proudly serving his country until late 1971, returning home with a purple heart medal of honor for his sacrifice in the Vietnam war. After completion of active duty in the 1st Cavalry Division in the infantry, he returned home and later continued his service to America by joining the National Guard Armory, 45th Infantry Division in Oklahoma City. Following several years of service in Oklahoma City, he transferred to the Army National Guard Unit in Holdenville, where he retired with many years of faithful service. Mr. Barnes was employed at Tinker A.F.B. for approximately 5 years as a structural mechanic. He resigned to pursue other job opportunities, becoming a roofer and longtime member of the National Roofers Union and the Oklahoma Roofers Union Local #143, where he retired following many successful and productive years. Bobby was lovingly nicknamed “Cobby” by several family members as they remember his kind and considerate heart. He often welcomed strangers into his home, offering them a meal and shelter. He greatly enjoyed Easters with family and friends at Salt Creek Baptist Church and Camp in Wetumka, where he was baptized. Bobby was a citizen of the Creek nation, Kialegee tribal town of the Wind clan. He was very proud of his Creek heritage. He especially loved his children and grandchildren, being sure he was the one providing the cake for each and every grandchild’s birthday party. Another of Bobby’s enjoyments was listening and dancing to blues and soul music. Bobby was preceded in death by his wife Jean; his natural father, George Barnes; Aunt Betty and Uncle Archie Hotulka, who stepped up after the untimely death of his father and cared for him and his siblings. His uncle and aunt, Thomas and Leila Barnes; He is survived by his sons, Bobby Barnes of Del City and Shylon Barnes of Del City; natural mother Geneva Harjo Barnes of Tulsa; brother Wallace Barnes of Glenpool; sister Carolyn Barnes of Tulsa; five grandchildren, Brandon Barnes, Stormie Barnes Hart and husband Darrius, Taron Barnes, Savanna Barnes and Jaiden Barnes. Close niece Reashinda Barnes. Cremation will be accomplished by the Parks Brothers Funeral home in Okemah. Graveside funeral services will be at 4:00 on Thursday, December 3, 2015 in the Barnes family cemetery, 2 miles north of Wetumka on Lake Road, where his ashes will be laid to rest. All arrangements were handled by Parks Brothers Funeral Home, Okemah, Oklahoma.

Bobby Ray Barnes

July 3, 1950 - November 25, 2015