Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Barnes Obituary
Mesa, AZ
John Lynden Barnes passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona.
John was born December 13, 1926 to Ernest and Eva (Meade) Barnes in Mulliken, Michigan. He was the youngest of two sons. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1944. He was married to Katherine Barnes (Anderson) in 1945. They had three daughters, Cynthia Lyn Tiller of Eagle, MI, Dian Barnes of Wacousta, MI and Ingrid Ester Tiller of Hendersonville, North Carolina.
John began his business and career in Grand Ledge, Michigan, as a contractor and builder. He built many residences and businesses in Grand Ledge and the Lansing area, many of which are still part of the communities today. John Lynden Barnes was hard-working and industrious. His building career spanned decades and states and he retired in 2006 after more than 62 years of doing work he loved.
In later years, he married Shirley Sztorc and they enjoyed many years together in Mesa, Arizona. John loved to travel and they shared many wonderful vacations in Mexico, Sedona, Arizona and his favorite, Kauai, Hawaii.
John is survived by his wife, Shirley Barnes, daughters Ingrid and Cindy, stepdaughter KellyRuff (Sztorc) and family, grandchildren Sonja Mattson-Barnes, Cody Mattson, Jason Richey, Justin Slocum, Ingalisa Reiger, Britta Stine and Stan Stine, and several great grandchildren and one great great grandaughter. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Eva Barnes, his daughter Dian, and his brother.
The family requests that you remember John Lynden Barnes as a talented builder, a man who loved life and lived it to the fullest and leaves many stories and memories that will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bright Focus Foundation for Alzheimer's Research.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Barnes
5 Entries
Britta Stine
October 28, 2017
I remember grandpa John as a gentle giant. He always had smiling eyes and jokes for his grandkids. Whenever he visited us in Michigan he'd be up at the crack of dawn and back with fresh rolls from Feldpausch in Grand Ledge. Now that I am older, it is hard to decipher truth from hyperbole when hearing stories about him, but I love to hear them. Grandpa did things his way and he was a character no one will forget. I love you grandpa.
Grandpa in Wacousta with Dian, Dan, Stan, & Britta
October 21, 2017
October 21, 2017
Grandpa and nana Shirley
October 21, 2017
Grandpa and I
October 21, 2017
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in John Barnes's name
Memorial Events
for John Barnes
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Barnes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
