NORWICH – Richard W. (Dick) Barnes, 87, a lifelong resident of Norwich, passed away Tuesday evening, June 11, 2013, at his home.
Dick was born on Jan. 30, 1926, in Norwich, the son of Albert and Florence Bennett Barnes. A resident of the area all of his life, he attended and graduated from the Norwich High School. He prided himself in being a “self employed farmer” operating his own farm until his so-called retirement in the mid 1990s. Even though he was considered to be retired, Dick was the kind of man who couldn’t sit still and needed to keep his fingers in the pie. He did this very well by tinkering with all of the farm machinery.
Dick was at heart a family man. He was very proud not only of his children, but also his grandchildren. He especially enjoyed watching his grandsons play baseball. Dick also enjoyed many trips to the Amish country and in ealrier years making maple syrup with his family. One of his most favorite pass times was playing pitch and card games of all kinds. He was part of a group of nine men who, on a regular basis, would sit down and have a good game of pitch.
On May 6, 1951 in Norwich he married Betty Humphrey Barnes who survives. Besides his wife Betty of Norwich, he is survived by his children, Gerald Barnes and significant other Marge Bauer of Norwich, James Barnes and wife Brenda and their children Benjamin and Cody of Norwich, Sandra Carlson and husband Donald and their children Caroline, Emily and Suzanne of LaJolla, CA, Lisa Kerr and husband Kevin and their children Keegan and Madison, and his daughter-in-law Cheryl Barnes and her children Adam and Lizabeth. Also surviving are his brothers Earl Barnes and wife Mary, and Clayton Barnes and wife Marion, all of Norwich, his sister-in-law Irene Barnes of Greene, along with several nieces and nephews.
Dick was predeceased by his son Richard T. Barnes and his brother Hubert Barnes.
A funeral service for Dick will be held at 9 a.m. on June 15 from the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Nancy Hale, Pastor of the Broad St. United Methodist Church, will officiate. Interment will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.
Please consider memorial contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815