Dennis D. Barnes

Dennis D. Barnes, 61, of Salamanca, N.Y., died Sunday, May 2, 2010, at his home.

Born on Jan. 27, 1949, in Erie, he was the son of Geraldine Baker Barnes of Edinboro and the late Gaylord Barnes . He was married on June 1, 1968, to the former Linda Aulenbacher, who survives.

Mr. Barnes was self-employed with Barnes Roofing & Maintenance.

He was an elder of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Salamanca. His greatest joy was teaching the Bible, instructing and helping people in congregations in the communities he served. He had been assigned as a missionary of Jehovah's Witnesses with his wife, serving in Kentucky, Kansas, New York and in Carlisle and Boiling Springs. Even though he had no children, many people viewed Dennis as a spiritual father and uncle. He led a very full and fulfilling life and was very happy in his work. He had a great love of the outdoors, animals and gardening.

Surviving besides his wife are a brother, Terry (Sherry) Barnes of West Palm Beach, Fla.; two sisters, Karen (Monty) Noble of Morganfield, Ky., and Diane (Michael) Schwindt of Erie; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1 Mooredale Road, Carlisle (at the corner of Ritner Highway and Mooredale Road).

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca, N.Y.

E-condolences may be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com.