Brian Wayne Barnes

BARNES, Brian Wayne -age 56, of Dayton, Ohio, lived life with the kind of infectious humor that could light up even the gloomiest of rooms. Born on Sunday, September 22, 1968, in Bluffton, Indiana, Brian's journey through life was a testament to laughter, love, and the occasional well-timed prank. Early Thursday afternoon, on May 8, 2025, Brian's story on this earth came to a close in Dayton, Ohio, due to congestive heart failure; he leaves behind a legacy as vibrant and spirited as a classic rock anthem.
Brian's life was a symphony of joyous moments, shared with his beloved wife, Barbara Jean (née Hamrick) Barnes, his children, Cody, Tristen, and Hannah as well as step-children Harold, Robert, Billy, Zoey and Shawn "Jr.". His sense of belonging extended to his brother Barry, sister Stacey, his cherished granddaughter Lilliana, who were all part of the eclectic and loving family ensemble he conducted with heart and humor. Brian was preceded in death by his son Cameron and his parents, Earl and Marylin Barnes, who no doubt instilled in him the values of love and laughter that he carried throughout his life.
A renowned prankster, Brian's antics were the stuff of family legend. His collection of antique model cars was as curated and cared for as his meticulously kept home, a testament to his phenomenal housekeeping skills. Brian's passion for life was mirrored in his hobbies; he could often be found jamming to AC/DC, his laughter mingling with the riffs of electric guitars, or engrossed in an episode of Duck Dynasty or Swamp People. His love for roses was only surpassed by his love for a good car show, where he was in his element among the gleaming chrome and revving engines.
Brian was a man of many passions, but it was his loving nature, courageous spirit, and boundless passion that truly defined him. He was a man who could find humor in the mundane and taught those around him to do the same. In the words of the great Robin Williams, a celebrity beloved for his comedic genius, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." Brian not only held onto his spark of madness, but he also used it to ignite laughter and joy in everyone he met.
As we bid farewell to Brian, we remember not just the sound of his laughter but the warmth of his heart. His was a life lived not in quiet contemplation but in loud, exuberant celebration. Brian Wayne Barnes may have left the stage, but the echoes of his humor, the memories of his love, and the impressions of his pranks will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved him. Goodbye for now, Brian; may your next adventure be as joyous and as full of laughter as the life you lived among us. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Brian Wayne Barnes, please visit our Tree Store. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Brian Wayne Barnes, please visit the Tribute Fund.