Jerry Francis Barnes

The Honorable Jerry Francis Barnes, 66, of Hampstead, Maryland died Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Carroll Hospital Center. Born October 9, 1948, he was the son of the late Charles A. and Mary R. Byers Barnes. He was the devoted husband of Florence J. Barnes and loving step father of Jenna B. Wilmot and husband, Chris, of Cockeysville. He is also survived by his Aunt, Sandra Cook, cousins, Gregory Hutsell, Jeffrey Hutsell and Jennifer Freeman, all of Westminster. Mr. Barnes graduated from Westminster High School in 1966, and after working a short period at Bendix Field Engineering, he was drafted into the US Army in 1968. In 1969, he qualified as a Green Beret, after which he served in Vietnam as a member of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). After receiving two Bronze Stars (one for "Heroism in Ground Combat"), the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), and being Honorably discharged in 1971, he attended and graduated from the University of Baltimore Law School. He was thereafter a career prosecutor serving both with Frederick County State's Attorney's Office and Carroll County State's Attorney's Office. He was distinguished as Chief Narcotic's Prosecutor for Frederick County from 1991 through 1994. From 1995 until present, Mr. Barnes served as the elected State's Attorney for Carroll County, Maryland. Since becoming a prosecutor in 1978, Mr. Barnes personally prosecuted thousands of criminal cases. He also oversaw a busy office comprised of 54 staff members - all responsible for successfully prosecuting criminal, juvenile and traffic cases in Carroll County's three courts. Mr. Barnes devoted his entire working career to helping his community. Over the decades, he helped others both professionally and personally, many times when they did not even know it. Among some of his initiatives, he spearheaded and implemented the Heroin Action Coalition and established a position specifically designated to prosecute Domestic Violence cases. Mr. Barnes was a specialist in drug enforcement serving as Chief Narcotics Prosecutor and actively prosecuting numerous drug distribution and other serious drug felony and misdemeanor charges. He attended and graduated from the Drug Enforcement Administration Agent's Course and the Maryland State Police Undercover Drug Course. He was sworn in as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland to prosecute drug cases. Throughout his legal career, he received a multitude of awards for his hard work, leadership and dedication to the citizens of Carroll County and the State of Maryland. Highlights of the numerous awards and accolades he received include but are not limited to the following: U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland, Certificate of Recognition- In recognition of "Exemplary Performance, Initiative and Commitment in Fostering and Preserving Public Safety Within the District of Maryland" (1999); Named Chief Narcotics Prosecutor; U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration Certificate of Appreciation, 1994; Maryland Troopers Association Lodge #20 Endorsement; Carroll County, Maryland Marine Cadet Corps Commander Award; Maryland State Fire Marshall, Certificate of Appreciation for "Outstanding Leadership and Commitment to Protecting the Citizens of Carroll County"; U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney's Office, Certification of Recognition for the Reality Program; Maryland State Police - Certificate of Appreciation; Attorney General's Family Violence Council, Domestic Violence Unit, Certificate of Merit; The Westminster Lions Club- Outstanding Leadership Award; Carroll County Health Department Recognition Award; Governor's Certificate of Merit- Crime Prevention; United States' Senators Award of Excellence- Service to Seniors; The United States Committee for Celebration of the United States Nations International Year of Older Persons; Maryland House of Delegates, House Resolution Award- Cell Phones for Seniors; Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), for Outstanding Service; US Attorney's Office, for Outstanding Service; United Nations, for Outstanding Service (Senior "911" Cell Phones); US Senate, for Outstanding Service (Drug Awareness Programs); Governor's Office, for Outstanding Service (Victim Witness Services); Maryland State Police, Superintendent's Recognition for Specific Prosecution's/Efforts; Maryland State Police, Superintendent's Recognition for Superior Drug Enforcement Accomplishments; Victim/Witness Associations, for Superior Victim/Witness Efforts; Frederick County Narcotics Task Force, for Superior Service in Drug Enforcement; Maryland State Fire Marshal, for Superior Successful Arson Prosecutions; Maryland State Trooper's Association, for Working on Cpl. Ted Wolf's Homicide Case; Reality Program, for Maryland's Most Productive Reality Program; and National History Honor Society (Phi Alpha Theta) The family will receive friends on Thursday from 2-8 pm at Pritts Funeral Home and Chapel, 412 Washington Rd., Westminster. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 1pm at St. John Catholic Church, 43 Monroe St., Westminster , with Chaplain Pat Geyer, officiating. Internment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to Misfits Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 75, Finksburg, MD 21048-0075. Online condolences may be offered at www.prittsfuneralhome.com.