Raymond Malcum Barnes

1932 - 2023

Raymond Malcum Barnes was born March 21st 1932 in Crossroads, NM to Jo and Jane Barnes. He was one of 3 children. Raymond graduated from Tatum High School in 1950 and shortly after joined the Navy. After 4 years of service he was discharged, and met his wife, Tootsie. They were married in 1955, and welcomed their children, Roma and Jake in 1956, and 1959.

Raymond attended college in Portales, NM received his bachelor's degree from Sam Houston University, and later went on to receive his Masters in Ag Science from Sul Ross University. After graduating college, he moved his family to Fort Handcock, Texas, where he taught school for 4 years. Raymond then moved his family to Dulce, NM to become the Stock Specialist for the Jicarilla Tribe. After 6 years on the Jicarilla reservation, they made the move to Bloomfield, NM where he began working for New Mexico State University as the AG Specialist for the Navajo Tribe. He served as their AG Specialist for 15 years before retiring in 1985. Raymond spent most of his college years riding bareback horses, roping calves and team roping. After moving to Bloomfield, he was well known for putting on team roping's all over the state of New Mexico, while continuing to team rope. Producing team roping's and working as an AG teacher paved the way for some of his most valued friendships and acquaintances, that were continued throughout his lifetime.

Once Jake and Roma hit the rodeo road, he quit producing team roping's, and soon after the kids were off to college. Jake entered the PRCA circuit and landed himself at his first National Finals Rodeo in 1985 winning the world that year and went on to win 6 more world championships. Roma graduated college and moved home following in Raymonds footsteps, also working for NM State University. He was beyond proud of them and their accomplishments, and never missed opportunities to tell everyone about them.

After retiring, he started buying and trading cattle, and became one of the most well-known cattlemen in this part of the country. Raymond ran cattle at NAPI, and successfully fed cattle in feedlots all over North Texas. He truly was one of the best in the industry and was an amazing influence on so many other aspiring cattleman.

Raymond and Tootsie enjoyed retirement and loved to travel. They didn't miss a single trip to Vegas for the NFR , or to the BFI in Reno. Their life continued to revolve around rodeo and cattle, but they wouldn't have had it any other way.

When his grandchildren came along there was no greater joy. He and Tootsie loved nothing more than watching their rodeos, livestock shows, and basketball games. Caitlin, Bo Jake, Logan, and Tuff were the center of every coffee shop and sale barn conversation, he never missed a single opportunity to brag on them or take them to the sale barn with him. His most treasured memories with them were taking them fishing at his stock tanks, calling coyotes, working cattle at NAPI, and hunting. When the great-grandchildren came along, they were no exception, and he was equally proud of all of them.

Raymond Barnes was one of a kind, and unapologetically outspoken. A rare breed and the true definition of a cowboy. He was well known, loved and respected. His passing will leave a void in the hearts of many.

Raymond passed away peacefully in his home in Cortez, Colorado on Wednesday November 8th 2023 at the age of 91.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, Jo & Jane Barnes; his and brother, Billy Pat Barnes. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Tootsie (Virginia) Barnes; his sister, Anna Marie Crook of Clovis, NM; his daughter, Roma Ann Colbert and husband, Bentley of Cortez Colorado; his son, Jake Barnes and wife, Toni of Reno, Nevada; his grandchildren, Caitlin Colbert-Choat, and husband, Derek of True, Texas, Bo Jake Barnes and wife, Roxi of Laguna Niguel, California, Logan Colbert of Cortez, Colorado, and Tuff Barnes and wife, Chloe of Phoenix, Arizona; and by his great-grandchildren, Brazos Choat, Carsen Barnes, Jacey June Barnes, and Brady Barnes.

The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and prayers that they have received. Plans for a celebration of life are currently being made for a later date and the family will inform everyone as soon as arrangements are made.