Thomas John Barnes

Thomas John Barnes, a former resident of Meriden, Connecticut, and longtime resident of Altus, Oklahoma, passed away at his home on May 31st, 2023, at the age of sixty-nine.
Thomas was born on July 20th, 1954, to John Allen Barnes and Gladys Dorothy Barnes. He was born, raised, and educated in Meriden, Connecticut. In 1973, he graduated from Orville H. Platt High School While still attending high school Thomas began his career in aerospace at fifteen. He started working at Meriden Airport washing and refueling airplanes. In September 1973, he obtained his private pilot license. During his formidable years he served in the Civil Air Patrol, in 1976, Thomas transitioned from the Civil Air Patrol to enlisting into the United States Air Force. From 1976 to 1996 he proudly served his country. During his time in the service, Thomas had countless assignments and duty stations, one of his favorite assignments was the four years he served in Pararescue. He proudly served his country in the Persian Gulf War and was awarded numerous awards for his service and dedication to the Air Force. After his retirement in 1996, he returned to Altus Air Force Base where he continued his service to The United States of America for the next twenty -two years in Civil Service serving s a crew chief.
Thomas married the love of his life, Ann Marie Barnes on December 7, 1990, in San Bernadino, California. In their thirty-two years together, the Barnes family lived in Meriden, Connecticut; Hawaii; California; Okinawa, Japan; and finally, Altus, Oklahoma, where they made forever home. The Barnes family was blessed with four children and six grandchildren. To Thomas becoming a grandpa was his greatest accomplishment. He relished every second he got to spend with his family. Besides his great love of aerospace, and his family Thomas' other passion was riding Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. Together Thomas and Ann Marie traveled the country riding and enjoying the majestic scenery of the country. From the early age of ten Thomas collected and built hundreds of models, airplanes, and cars. He also had an affinity for antique cars and was always ready to enjoy a good movie. Thomas was an active member of the Grace Methodist Church, where he was a choir member.
Thomas is preceded in death by his father, John Allen Barnes, and his mother, Gladys Dorothy Barnes.
Left to honor his memory are his wife, Ann Marie Barnes; sons, Kelly Steven Ferguson and wife Metra, and Ivan Kristoff Barnes and wife Lisa; daughters, Shanna Marie Newman and fiance Chuck, and Stephanie Marie Bourland and husband Lance; brother, David John Barnes, and wife Cynthia; sister, Patricia Ann Totz; grandchildren Lily Ruiz, Max Ruiz, Lauren Barnes, Kaelyn Barnes, Liana Bourland, and Lanex Bourland; close friends, Barry James, OJ Robinson, and Bruce Smith; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends whom he considered family.
The Barnes family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2023 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma. Interment will follow to Altus City Cemetery, where Thomas will be laid to rest with full military honors.
Services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.