John Barnes Sr.

John C. Barnes Sr. NORFOLK - "Today we lost a true Boy Scout of America" Master Chief John Coleman Barnes Sr., 84, went to be with the Lord April 27, 2008. He was born in Buffalo, N.Y., July 16, 1923. He married Aida Dec. 26, 1943, in Annapolis, Md. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Aida; his children, John Barnes Jr. and Chuck Barnes and his wife Cathi; grandchildren, Tanya, Chuck-Chuck and Cassee; and great-granddaughters, Gabrielle and Lailah. John was retired from the U.S. Navy and retired from the Seabees. Among his larger than life passions was the Boy Scouts. He volunteered his time, skills and life to the betterment of this organization. His credits are many, but the best reward was to see a boy become a man and learn how to "Be Prepared" for everything that life might hand out to you. He taught men and boys how to build and create a new and safe place to grow. The story has been told that his grandson, Chuck-Chuck, had the pleasure of going to a conclave with his father and grandfather quite some time ago. Chuck-Chuck's mother wrote a whole list of things to do and not to do while away from home. Before getting on the highway his grandfather instructed him to pitch the list in the nearest trash can, and he would teach him how to make his own list. While on this adventure of three generations of scouts, Chuck- Chuck was amazed at how established his grandfather's camp site was compared to others. When he came home he walked into the house not a 7-year-old boy any longer, but a 7-year-old who had seen a new world. His mother remembers him running in to say hello and having a question for her. She asked what it was and he glared up and said "Is Pa a king or something?" Her reply was simple and to the point: "He is definitely something!" Today he lost his fight against many obstacles that would have taken others out a long time ago, but his fight for life was passionate and relentless as his love for scouting. Thank you John Barnes for your unselfish dedication to the Boy Scouts of America, and God Bless. A celebration of John's life will be held in the Mausoleum Chapel in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6309 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, Wednesday at 10 a.m. with full military honors accorded. Online condolences and John's guestbook may be signed at www.woodlawngroup.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association in John's name.