Tommy Isaiah Barnes

Detective Tommy Isaiah Barnes, was born Friday, July 9th, 1971, in Chicago, IL, to Tommy Lee and Queen Esther Barnes. He was the eldest son of eight children. Tommy attended Foreman High School in Chicago and Lockport Township High School (LTHS) in Lockport, IL. Shortly after graduating from LTHS, he enlisted in the Army in 1989 and was stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. As a Specialist in the 82nd Airborne from 1989 to 1993 and a 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment Paratrooper, he fought in Desert Storm throughout Kuwait and Southern Iraq. He was awarded numerous medals and badges, including the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star-2,The Army Good Conduct Medal, The Army Commendation Medal, M16 Sharpshooter Badge, Parachuters Badge, Kuwait Liberation Medal-Saudi Arabia, and Combat Infantry Badge and The Army Service Ribbon.
After his military service, Tommy worked as a Correctional Officer at Stateville Maximum Security State Prison in Crest Hill, IL. He earned an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Joliet Junior College where he became a police officer, he served as Bike Patrol Instructor, and Firearms Instructor.
On October 24th, 1998, Tommy married his childhood sweetheart, Angela Dominique. Their love story began when Tommy, at 15 year-old, confidently declared to 13-year-old Angela, at church, that she would be his girlfriend. They were married for 26 years and shared nearly 30 years of life together with their three sons and one grandson.
In 2004, Tommy joined the Ardmore Police Department in Ardmore, OK, and served on the SWAT Team. Two years later, he moved to the Garland Police Department in Garland, TX, where he worked in the Bicycle Unit, Neighborhood Police Officer Unit, and Honor Guard, eventually, Tommy became a Detective in the Property Crimes Division in 2024. Detective Barnes was a highly respected officer in the Garland Community and surrounding areas. During his almost 18 years as a Garland Police Officer he was recognized and awarded 29 Certificates of Merit, 9 Certificates of Merit Bars, received 2 Officer of the Month Awards, and 20 letters of appreciation in his file. His mantra, to "put bad people in jail, fight crime, and suppress evil", kept him focused even in his darkest hours.
Tommy's infectious and light-hearted demeanor captivated the hearts of many. He was an exceptional officer, a remarkable husband, father, son, brother, but most of all, a man of faith. Tommy inspired and uplifted all who crossed his path. He embodied love, compassion, and wisdom. Although, his physical form may be gone, his spirit lives on through the countless hearts he transformed and lives he touched. May his legacy continue to inspire us to live with purpose, kindness, and gratitude.
Tommy was a member of The Potter's House, Baptized as a child, and received the Holy Ghost in 2005. Tommy was led by faith to be a loving, hard working man of integrity. Tommy enjoyed spending time with his family, attending church, hunting, fishing, shooting at the gun range, and watching murder mysteries.
After a long battle with metastatic breast cancer, Detective Tommy Isaiah Barnes went home to be with the Lord Saturday, May 18th, 2024. He lived a life of service, love, and dedication. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Tommy is survived by his beloved wife, Angela D. Barnes. His sons, Dominique, Derek, and Alonzo, and his grandson Jeremiah. His parents, Tommy Lee and Queen Esther Barnes. His siblings: Khrys Binyamin, Angela G. Barnes, LaTarsha Barnes, Edna J. White and husband Tony, Joel Barnes and wife Quita, Michelle Barnes, and David Barnes and wife LaSaundra. His "in-loves": Leola Williamson (mother-in-love), Mark Williamson, Maurice Pickett and wife Nikki, Andrea Pickett, and Anthony Pickett and wife Adaobi, sisters, Theresa Brown, Deborah Gross, Edna Moore and husband Lydell; his god-daughter, Morgan Barnes, as well as a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins, His best and most trusted friends; John Capers and wife, Faith, Joseph Belton and wife Monica, Binyamin Hawkins, Quartness Navarre, Gabriel Frederick, Robert Duncan and wife Jill, Clint Korenek and wife Kim, Rodger Adams and wife Angie, Matt Pesta, Jamie Lowe, Jodie Galloway, Sabrina Butler, William Lattimore, Trey Ashcroft, Jessica Chittamai, Nick Vann and wife Meagan, Willie Hawkins, Brian Christian, Felicia Pegues, Bobby Hill, Robo, Ms. Martha, Anthony Hunter, David Wade, Larry Brooks and wife Amanda and Stacy Tooke.
A special thanks to the entire Garland Police Department, the Garland Police Association, Garland Police Honor Guard, and Christian and Shane with Never Walk Alone Foundation. There are no words that can express the gratitude the family hold for them.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in Tommy's Honor to National Breast Cancer Foundation https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/male-breast-cancer/