Dr. Jerry Lamoin Barnes

The Reverend Doctor Jerry Lamoin Barnes, 85, passed away surrounded by family in his Miami, Oklahoma home on Thursday, January 5, 2017. He played many roles throughout his life, each to the fullest. He was a decorated war-veteran in the US Army, Golden Gloves Boxer, dedicated Baptist minister, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and family man. Jerry was born on January 9, 1931 to Joseph Porter Barnes and Lucy Cordelia (Martin) Barnes in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Following his primary education, he joined the US Army and served in the Korean War as a paratrooper medic in the 187th Regimental Combat Team, where he was a two-time Purple Heart recipient. Upon returning from war, Jerry met the love of his life Bobby M. Mills in Ada, Oklahoma, and the two were married on May 28, 1955. They were together for 62 years and had three children. In 1956, Jerry proudly graduated from Baylor University with his Bachelor’s degree, and continued pursuing his love of education with post-graduate studies at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, as well as Midwestern and Southern Seminaries, finally completing his Doctorate of Divinity at Vanderbilt University. Following his formal education, Jerry eagerly embarked his life’s calling as a Baptist minister, where he was steadfast in serving God, his community, and walking in Christ’s footsteps. After 50 years in ministry, Jerry retired to a life surrounded by his friends and family where he enjoyed traveling, fishing, reading, playing with his grandchildren, and telling his childhood stories. He was lovingly described by a family friend as a “lion with a tender heart,” and will forever be remembered as a man of God, family, and many words. Jerry is preceded in death by his loving parents, two brothers Eudel and Stanley Barnes, and one sister, Wyonna Brannon. He is survived by his brothers Shelby, Derral and Aaron Barnes, wife Bobby Barnes, children Joni Hawkins, Joel Barnes, and Leslie Swan, grandchildren Tiffany Pittman, Cailin Werner, Elizabeth Stingley and Hannah, Hailey and Audrey Swan, and great grandchildren Josiah, Garrett, Emma Pittman and Colten and Cyler Werner. A memorial service for Rev. Dr. Barnes will be held at 2 PM on Monday, January 9, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church in Miami, Oklahoma. All who wish to attend are welcome. Services have been placed in the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami. Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Dr. Barnes’ Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.

Dr. Jerry Lamoin Barnes

January 9, 1931 - January 5, 2017