Clarence A. Barnes

Clarence A. Barnes passed away in the loving presence of family members June 1 after a lengthy illness. Graveside services for Clarence will be held Wednesday, June 3rd at 10 am at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Longview, Texas. Clarence was born December 28, 1919 in Rural Shades, Texas to Clarence and Ada Barnes and was the sixth of eight children. He was raised in East Texas where he formed strong ties throughout the community. Clarence entered the United States Army in 1940 and a year later became the loving husband to Ellen Tucker Barnes, eventually becoming the father of two sons and one daughter. During his military career, he took part in the Philippines Campaign of 1944 during World War II, in which he was gravely injured in the line of service. He was awarded the Military Order of the Purple Heart which he refused as he was “just doing his job” for his country. Later that year he was discharged from military and resumed civilian life as husband and father. In addition to his distinguished service to his country, Clarence became self educated and held careers in multiple forums. He worked in the East Texas Oil Fields and later became employed by Presley Oil Company, retiring after 40 years of service. After his retirement, he became self employed, repairing electrical systems within the oil industry throughout the region. He harbored a love of airplanes and flying and eventually started a second business of restoring, rebuilding and flying new and antique planes. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers; David Barnes, Arthur Barnes, Lloyd Barnes, and Wilfred Barnes, two sisters; Ethel Barnes Nerren and Willie Lee Barnes Pevey. Also preceding him in death, two sons; David Barnes and Franklin Barnes, one grandson; Charles Barnes and his son-in-law; Jerry Gibbs. He is survived by his steadfast wife of 74 years, Ellen Tucker Barnes, his daughter Sandra Barnes Gibbs and her children, Jeff Gibbs and Wendi Gibbs and their children, Makenna and Jacob; Renee and Darin Bradshaw and their children, Garrett and Sarah; and Steven Clarence Gibbs. Surviving grandchildren include Heath Barnes, Michael Barnes, Christy Barnes Polke, Jason Barnes, Marty Barnes and Tiffany Barnes. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Longview Cancer Center and Heartsway Hospice of Northeast Texas for their dedication and devotion.

Clarence A. Barnes

December 28, 1919 - June 1, 2015