Dexter Barnes Obituary
Dexter David Barnes Jr., age 91, passed away peacefully among family, leaving behind a legacy of service, devotion to family, and quiet strength. Dexter was born on March 17, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Wilma and Dexter David Barnes Sr. He was their only child. A gifted student, he graduated from Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock, AR at the age of 16. After attending the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville for one semester, Dexter answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Navy at just 17 years old. Dexter proudly served in the Navy during both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. While stationed at the Naval Base in San Diego, California, he met the love of his life, Ellen. Together they shared 59 years of marriage and raised six children. Dexter also had two children from a previous marriage.
After retiring from the Navy, Dexter and Ellen moved to Arkansas in 1970, where he began a second career with the United States Postal Service. He retired from the USPS in 1992. Dexter and Ellen loved traveling to visit their grandchildren and were deeply proud of each one, remaining actively involved in their lives and activities. Dexter was an avid gardener and found great peace and healing in tending his garden, which he often described as his therapy.
Dexter was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
He is survived by his children: Dennis Barnes of Pennsylvania; Delaina Hathaway of Missouri; Teresa Gunlock (Rick) of Texas; Jo Small of Missouri; Linda Kinder of Conway, Arkansas; John Barnes of Ohio; James Barnes of Little Rock, Arkansas; and Rebekah Pruitt (Eric) of Beebe, Arkansas. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a great joy and pride to him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to First Christian Church of Beebe.
SERVICE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO:
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. DeWitt Henry Dr. Beebe, Arkansas 72012. Memorial Service will be 12:00 p.m. February 14, 2026, at the Beebe Church of Christ, 1906 W Center St. Beebe, Arkansas 72012. To view the online guestbook: www.smithfamilycares.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
404 West Dewitt Henry Drive, Beebe, AR 72012
People and places connected with Dexter
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Dexter Barnes
Make a Donation
in Dexter Barnes's name
How to support Dexter's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Dexter Barnes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored