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Charles Barnes Obituary
Capt. Charles R. Barnes. After being listed as MIA in the Viet Nam War for over 42 years, Capt. Charles R. Sonny Barnes remains have been identified. He was the husband of the late Hannelore (Ort) Barnes. Born in Philadelphia, the son of the late Pauline Barnes, he grew up in Fullerton at the home of his aunt and uncle, the late Mary and Charles Soffera. He was a 1960 graduate of Whitehall High School. Survivors: Son, Charles and wife, Lorie, of Harrisburg; grandson, Shaun; sister, Mary Ann (Barnes) Hermann and husband Fred of Emmaus. His brother, Thomas, passed away in February, 2011. Services: He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on May 2 at 9 a.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Barnes
Eric Brumbaugh
February 6, 2024
I had the absolute pleasure to be friends with Captain Barnes son, Charles, and his lovely wife Lorie. Before his father was found, Charles would speak so proudly of his dad. We even visited the Viet Nam Memorial Wall. Charles put his hand over his father´s name. It was so moving. And now, that tradition has a whole new meaning. To my friend Charles... God bless you and your family. Always.
Eric Brumbaugh
May 3, 2012
Again, I would like to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers, cards, and, for those high school friends who made the trip to Arlington, their support at his burial is something I will always treasure. Sonny is home, we're at peace and now it's time to return to the living until we all meet again.
Joanne Rush
May 2, 2012
To Charles' family, May God bless you all and give your family peace knowing that Charles is now home. We were classmates at Whitehall and I thought of him often in the past years. Joanne (Gehris) Rush
Sue Felegy
May 2, 2012
To Mary Ann and family. I thought of Charlie 2 days ago when I found an old phone number for you. Charlie was SO nice and jovial. It is so good to finally have him home. I am thankful for his sacrifice to our country, and proud to have known him and the Barnes/Soffera family. May Charlie, his family, and all other servicemen find eternal peace, comfort and the gratitude of our nation for their service. Welcome Home! God Bless!
Fred Rummel
May 2, 2012
Charlie,
To one of my best friends from WHS.
We had many good times together in high school.
God Bless You and your Family.
Marie Hosier
May 2, 2012
To Charles, Lorie, Shaun, Mary Ann, and Fred. May you find peace and comfort now that Sonny has been laid to rest. Uncle Charlie and Aunt Mary would be so proud. They loved you all so very much. Sincerely, Marie Kennedy Hosier-daughter of Art and Mary (Soffera) Serfass
Fred Soulier
May 2, 2012
To the Barnes family:
I sincerely hope you will accept my deepest feelings of honor, respect and sympathy for the service and sacrifice that Charles made for our country.
I am deeply grateful to Mr. Louis Schmidt for helping to end over 40 years of emptiness in all of your hearts and finally bring some closure and any comfort that may accompany.
I recently attended a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery and was deeply moved. I plan to visit again soon and I promise to pay my personal respects to this most honorable American soldier.
Fellow Army Vet
May 2, 2012
WELCOME HOME SIR!!!! WELCOME HOME!!!!
April 30, 2012
Peace to all who loved this good man. May you find comfort until you meet again.
Carolyn Cloyd
April 29, 2012
To the family of Cpt. Barnes,
While I know it is of small comfort, we are eternally grateful for the sacrifice of this brave young man, your loved one.
I am sorry we live in a world where brave people have to die in wars, but as someone who has never known what it is like not to live in freedom, please know I do not take it for granted. Every day I remember that it is because of brave people like Charles Barnes that I do live in freedom.
God bless him and you.
Ric Stevenson
April 25, 2012
You're home now Brother....SALUTE...
janet peifley WHS'60
April 24, 2012
Welcome home Capt.Barnes---rest peacefully at Arlington National Cemetery where so many American heros rest...God Bless Sonny
James O'Donnell
April 23, 2012
Charles and I were classmates and chess playing friends back in the 50's...Being a private pilot I took special interest about what happened on that day March 1969. Thought about him many times over the years and still do. RIP Charlie.
Betsy Ehret
April 23, 2012
To The Family of Charles Barnes -
Woody and I have talked about "Sonny" many times over the years - his wit, his friendship; Woody lived close by and played softball with Charles growing up, and I was a l960 classmate of his. We are proud of, and thank him,for his service and sacrifice to our country. Welcome home Captain Barnes and may you rest peacefully now and forever.
Betsy and Woody Ehret, Parkersburg, WV
SHARON CROTHERS
April 23, 2012
I have heard about Sonny Barnes for many years from my husband, Barry Crothers. He would always say that when he talked or thought about Sonny, he would get "goose bumps and wet eyes." We saw Sonny's name on a granite memorial in a cemetery on Oahu, Hawaii. It was very moving to see his name there. We have great respect for him and his ultimate sacrifice! It is so good to know his family has been able to receive him home at last. Although it must open up very sad thoughts, we hope that a it also brings loving relief that he has been found and now has his final resting place in his homeland. Our sincere condolences to all Sonny's family and those who love him!
Barry & Sharon Crothers
Dana Grubb
April 23, 2012
To the Barnes Family and Friends of Captain Barnes, May God Bless you and keep you close as you welcome home your loved one after all of these years.
April 23, 2012
The family of Capt. Charles R. Barnes has been through a lot since March 16, 1969 when the plane he co-piloted went down in bad weather. Few people are aware of the path POW/MIA families travel in their quest for knowledge of their loved ones. My heart goes out to each of them, along with my wish for peaceful closure as the soldier is finally returned and laid to rest at Arlington. Veterans are our most special people. Susan Derr Kirk
Lee Deshler
April 23, 2012
Welcome home Sir!
Sandra Lee LaBarre
April 23, 2012
Bringing home our soldier brings tears to my eyes....
I remember him so well....
His sister and I were in the same class at Whitehall High School...
We loved and admired your family...and your aunt and uncle for sharing them with us...
Raelene Hydro
April 22, 2012
So glad to know you are home.
God Bless you.
Karen Kingcaid
April 22, 2012
42 years is a long time for a family to wait and hope. My God watch over the family and bring peace in knowing that he is finally coming home to rest.
Sons of the American Legion Post 367
April 22, 2012
Captain Barnes, you are home at last. May you rest peacefully and may your family know that we are all very proud and grateful for your service to this country.
william coulston
April 22, 2012
r.i.p. capt. barnes.welcome home sir this is the home coming no vet should have.all gave some some gave all thank you vets.
Jill Italiano
April 22, 2012
Uncle Sonny I never met you but I wish I had. You were taken from us too soon. Rest in Peace.
Marcia Theiss
April 22, 2012
My prayers are with you and your family
Bruce Bortz Sr
April 22, 2012
Thank you for your service. All gave some....Some gave all.
VietNam Combat Vet
Phil Maro
April 22, 2012
Thank You for your service and sacrifice. Welcome home Captain Barnes.
Mary Ann Hermann
April 22, 2012
Thanks to you all for your kind words on my brother's behalf. It means so much that he hasn't been forgotten.
Welcome Home
April 22, 2012
Vern Arndt
April 22, 2012
Welcome home Captain Barnes! Thank you for your sacrifice. RIP. God bless you.
April 22, 2012
Charles 'Sonny' Barnes was a friend and teammate on the Fullerton Vikings. I lived on 6th Street in Fullerton near his home in Oakwood Manor. I am proud to remember him and to honor his service to the US.
--Ken Poppe, Simsbury, Ct.
Faye Crothers Koncsics
April 22, 2012
My brother, Barry and I often spoke about Charlie. We grew up in the same neighborhood in Fullerton and were saddened when we heard he was MIA. Its been such a long time coming, but what a relief for his family that his remains have been located. Rest in peace.
Tom & Sherry Elias
April 22, 2012
We didn't know this gentleman but we would like to take this opportunity to pay our respects to him and his family and thank them for their ultimate sacrifice. GOD bless his family and friends and GOD rest his soul.
blaine horn
April 22, 2012
you are home sir rest in peace
Henry Kolb
April 22, 2012
May we all know Charlie gave his ALL. Thank you Charlie. This has been a long time coming. R.I.P.
gerald helfrich
April 22, 2012
Thank You for your service and sarifices Sir.
patricia shook
April 22, 2012
Thank you for his service and I am glad he has been found. I lost several friends You must be proud of your hero
Patti
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