Keith E. "Corky" Barnes

I was just thinking of Mr. Barnes the other day, discussing with a friend what made me become a biology major in college...and pursuit of biomedical science as a career. Mr. Barnes' Honors Biology class at OSHS (1985-86) was a big influence. He always demanded excellence, but did it with a wonderful sense of humor (you had to be disciplined taking his exams or you would get so lost in the Far Side cartoons you would forget to take the test). I was sad to learn he had passed. He had such a...

Sitting near a waterfall in Hawaii, memories of Keith come, unbidden. Thank you for helping to make me a scientist, Keith.

I was saddened to hear about Keith passing away. His first year at Olathe High School was my senior year 1969-70. I remember well my first meeting with him in his advance biology class. His style then was to welcome the students on day one with a somewhat hardnosed set of no nonsense demands. Some students wanted to transfer immediately. I don't recall if anyone dropped the class, but I'm certain for those of us who stayed we were glad we didn't.

I was hard on teachers but Keith...

What a great loss to education! Mr. Barnes was my 7th Grade Science teacher his very first year of teaching at Webb City Junior High in 1961-62 (also 8th Grade Science 1962-63). I thought he thought we were in college, due to his drive to push us toward excellence. He was one of the very best teachers I ever had. I learned so much my 7th grade year, and it was my most challenging, including Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. I think because of those two years at Webb City Junior High in...

I just found out today that Mr. Barnes had passed away. He was my 7th and 8th grade science and freshman biology teacher in Webb City, MO in 1963 - 1965. He was a wonderful teacher back then even though he was just starting his career. He was well respected. I moved to Olathe over 30 years ago and heard he was teaching here, but I never got to see him. My thoughts are with his family. He was a very special person.

I graduated from OSHS in 1983 and had not seen Mr. Barnes since my senior year. Then one day in 2006 I popped my head up at work one day when I unmistakenly heard his voice. I came out of my office to look around and there was someone I looked up to 23 years previously. I asked him, "Are you Mr. Barnes?" and in characteristic fashion he asked me, "What class are you from?" We chatted for awhile and it brought back great memories. My condolences to his family as he was a special man, and...

Mr. Barnes, wow, I'm not sure where to start. Mr. Barnes was one of those teachers you will remember for the rest of your life. He really was the best teacher, friend, and mentor. I'll never forget the quote Mr. Barnes had hanging on his wall. "If you had one hour to live, you would want to spend it in this class because this class seems like an eternity". Thank you Mr. Barnes for everything... You will be missed!

Roger and Shirley,
Hugh and I send our sympathy on the loss of your brother. Let us know if we can be of any help to get you through all of this. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love
Carol and Hugh