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William T. Barnes October 24, 1919 December 6, 2013 William T. Barnes, age 94, of State College, died on Friday, December 6, 2013, in State College. Dr. Barnes was born in Pilot Grove, Missouri, on October 24, 1919, and was married for over 67 years to the former Dorothy L. Jones. Dr. Barnes graduated from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, in 1941 and enrolled in medical school at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. Shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack, he joined the U.S. Navy and finished his medical school education in 1945 while in the service of the Navy. In 1946, he and Dorothy L. Jones were married. He continued his military service at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Great Lakes, Illinois, in charge of a ward for wounded military personnel, and thereafter at the VA Hospital in Leavenworh, Kansas. During his military tenure, he was awarded the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. After military service, he began his civilian medical career at Geisinger Hospital (now Geisinger Medical Center) in Danville, with two years of cardiovascular surgical training in Toronto, Canada. While at Geisinger, Dr. Barnes started its cardiovascular surgery department, performed the first open-heart surgery procedure at Geisinger, and remained its chairman until 1975, when he continued his surgery practice in State College. Dr. Barnes retired from medicine in 2000, having served as the chief of the medical staff at Centre Community Hospital. Dr. Barnes is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of State College; his sons, W. Stephen Barnes (Gayle) of State College and Joseph J. Barnes (Sandra) of Sewickley; and his daughter, Carey B. Wheeler (Raymond) of Raleigh, North Carolina; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Westminster College, William T. and Christopher Warren Barnes Memorial Fund, 301 Westminster Ave., Fulton MO 65251. As a result of family concerns, the family will hold a service for family members on Monday morning. On Monday afternoon, between 4:00 PM and 6:00PM, the family will welcome visitors at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.
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Although I haven't talked with Dr. Barnes in awhile He was always concerned with my ulcerated ankle whitch neved did heal. He was a gentleman with a bedside manner like no other doctor and when I called him and sais was Dan was calling, he knew me immediately since I lived in NJ, Fl.and now Albany Ga. I did call him a few months ago and we talked about times. He operated on me and I last told him that he could cut me in half as long as he was the surgeon and that's how much I trusted him. As for Dorothy she collected Wedgwood Jasper and I sent her a few pieces. God rest his soul and he will always be in my prayers.. You will be missed.
Dan Clayton
February 13, 2014
Sorry to hear of Dr Barnes passing. I worked with both he and Steve in the OR. I will always remember giving him the nickname "Daddy Barnes". My thoughts are with your family.
Marcy Lewis, Winston-Salem, NC
December 17, 2013
Thank you for your service to our country! R.I.P.
December 10, 2013
He was a gentleman.
With caring thoughts.
Milena Danneker
December 9, 2013
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Barnes passing. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Fred Iobst
December 9, 2013
Dr. Steve Barnes and family - I am so saddened to learn of Dr. Barnes passing. I remember him as a great man, wise, compassionate, and a true friend. I enjoyed my many years working with him as a member of the MNMC Medical Staff, especially as Chief of Staff. I know the many good memories you share will help sustain you in this time of sadness. Barbara DeVinney-Mills
December 9, 2013
To all the Barnes family, you should be so proud that you have two wonderful parents, I know you will miss Dr. Barnes, but think of all the wonderful experiences you have had with him over the past years. Look at all the lives he has touched and saved, how proud you must be.
Love, The Best Family
Rhonda Best
December 9, 2013
Reflecting on the many past good times, Bill, Dorothy, John and I had. I will always remember Bill as a dear friend, and a true gentleman.
Marie Lopez
December 9, 2013
I was a surgical patient of Dr. Barnes several years ago, and I had never met before, nor have I since, a man who was more suited to his profession. He was the epitome of the ideal doctor everyone would like to have. I will never forget his concern and ability to allay my fears. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Beverly Morgan
December 8, 2013
To all the Barnes family, so sorry to see him go. Uncle Bill and Aunt Dorothy made my years at Penn State very special. I was so warmly welcomed by all of you. Love to you all.
Chris Jones
December 8, 2013
Dr. Barnes will be greatly missed at the Fairways!
Bonnie Baer
December 8, 2013
Dear Steve and Family,
We were sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I enjoyed many rounds of golf with him at CHCC. Linda and I also enjoyed visiting with them when they were in Florida.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob and Linda Becker (State College)
Bob Becker
December 8, 2013
Dear Aunt Dorthy,Carrie,Steve,and Joe. I am so sorry for your and our loss. I have such few memories of Uncle Bill, however the ones I do have are from the family reunions and they fill my heart. With sincere love.
Robert English
December 8, 2013
It's been an honor to be a part of your life for the past 5 years.The memories I have are more than I could ever put into words.I'll miss you my friend.....
December 8, 2013
I enjoyed the many hours I spent as a caregiver to both Dr. and Mrs. Barnes. I grew very fond of both of them as they shared stories of when they were children growing up, the many happy events and occasions they shared during their 67 years together, and the love they have for their children and grandchildren...
I'll remember them both as very caring and generous. Their love and devotion to each other was quite evident and remains an inspiration to me.
RIP Dr. Barnes, job well done!
Rhonda Geissinger
December 8, 2013
Linda Maines
December 8, 2013
You will be missed by your family. You were a wonderful father-in-law. God Bless Love Gayle
Gayle Barnes
December 7, 2013
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