Joe L. Barnes

Joe Lewis Barnes was born on November 8, 1948, in Gallman, Mississippi, to the late Ben and Irene Barnes. He was the youngest of four children. At an early age, he confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior while attending Clear Creek Church #1 with his family.
Joe attended Parish High School, and after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served faithfully until he was honorably discharged due to an injury and was later awarded a Purple Heart for his service.
After returning home from military service, Joe met the love of his life, Wanda Delois. The two were united in holy matrimony on August 18, 1971, and later relocated to Gary, Indiana. From this loving union, Joe and Delois were blessed with four beautiful children: Randy (Iris), Anthony, Cyrus, Sr., and Jonique.
Joe was employed at U.S. Steel for 32 years. After retirement, he continued to serve his community by driving a local ice cream truck, bringing joy to many.
Joe joined Miller First Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon. He also sang in the male chorus, served as Superintendent of Sunday School, and as Director of the church's food pantry ministry. Joe was a servant above all else. He generously gave his time and dedication to helping others in his community through the food pantry. Even while facing his own health challenges, he made sure no one in need went without.
In addition to serving the Lord, Joe had a wonderful sense of humor and loved telling jokes. He enjoyed bowling, attending sporting events, and spending quality time with his family—especially his grandchildren.
He left this earth for eternal rest on March 30, 2026. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Irene Barnes, sister and brother-in-law Janie (Curtis) Jackson, four brothers-in-law, Dan Garrette, Henry Brown, Howard Smith, and Marshall (Bertha) Banks; two sisters-in-law Rachel Banks, Mollie Banks, as well as one granddaughter, Arianna Barnes.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Wanda Delois; two sisters, Mary Garrette and Clara Smith; six sisters-in-law, Juanita Sinclair, Barbara(Willie) Christmas, Ruby(Richard) Davis, Judy(Anthony) Norwood, Katherine(Donnie) Simpson, Doris(Marvin) Washington; two brothers-in-law, Lamar (Pam) Banks, Garvie( Margie) Banks;his children, Randy (Iris), Anthony, Cyrus, Sr., and Jonique; four grandchildren, Amarion, Darryll, K'vaugh, and Cyrus, Jr.; and a host of nieces and nephews. Joe will surely be missed by many, including family and friends.
All Services Saturday April 11,2026. Wake 12:00p.m. Funeral 1:00p.m. at Miller First Missionary Baptist Church 5601 E 4th Ave, Gary, IN 46403. Burial Evergreen Memorial Cemetery Hobart,In. Professional Services Rendered by Powell Coleman Funeral Home.