Violet Jean Barnes

Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Violet “Jean” Barnes, passed away on 9 September 2023 in Schertz, Texas at the age of 98. Jean was born in Neutral, Kansas on 26 August 1925 to dearly loved parents, Herbert and Florence Head. She was the “baby” of the family and was proudly protected by her big brothers Charlie, Royce, John and Paul and her big sister, Geneva.

A charter member of “The Greatest Generation”, she bravely endured the hardships of the dust bowl and depression years helping her mother hold their family together in Kansas while her father traveled to south Texas to get ranch work to support the family. To her dying day, she expressed gratitude to for her brother Royce for supporting her and her mother in the darkest days of depression. While attending high school in Columbus, Kansas, she met the love of her life and husband, Rufus E. Barnes, Jr.

When World War II broke out, Rufus joined the Army Air Corps and became a fighter pilot assigned to the South Pacific. Upon his return from the war, Jean and Rufus were married on 14 December 1945. For the next 27 years they moved multiple times as an Air Force family and Jean was the ultimate homemaker and mother to her three children: Linda, Roger and Ed. Devoted, selfless and loving, she happily dedicated her life to raising her children and supporting her husband in his Air Force career. A strong woman, she ably raised her children and kept a home while her husband served a combat tour in Vietnam and during his many TDYs as an Air Force pilot. Upon Rufus’ retirement from the Air Force in 1972, they moved to rural Deer Haven in Schertz, Texas, where they built their dream home and lived for the remainder of their lives.

Jean loved cooking, sewing, gardening, flowers and her dog, Missy. She was a loving and devoted grandmother to her 16 grandchildren and great grandchildren and spent countless happy hours caring for them while her own children worked. Jean lived the “Golden Rule”, telling us that “it’s how you live your life that counts”. Her humanity and example had an immeasurable influence on the character and values of both her children and grandchildren. Compassionate, caring and community-minded, Jean became a volunteer for the local Meals on Wheels program for several years where she planned, cooked, and delivered hot meals for the elderly. Jean was always there for anyone who needed her in life. She always put her family first and will never be forgotten by anyone who ever knew her kindness and love. During her last years, despite her own frailty, she lovingly cared for her beloved Rufus during his lengthy debilitating illness. She never complained and remained unbowed and upbeat despite their declining health. Mother walked this Earth with dignity, kindness and grace. She was the best of us, and will remain in our hearts forever.

Jean was preceded in death by her loving husband, Rufus E. Barnes, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Heckman and husband Wayne; sons, Roger Barnes and wife Debby, and Ed Barnes and wife Elaine; grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on October 9, 2023 at Schertz Funeral Home Chapel. The Funeral Service will take place at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Schertz Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery – Shelter 4.

The Barnes family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers who helped Jean in her last years: Dr.Erin Reese, Elsye Kattengell, Alice Hodges, Pat Clemente, Deanna Pintirsch, Linda Mixon, Irma Henry, Rosie Lechuga, Maria Hernandez and Terri Zipp. We are also grateful for the compassionate care of Vitas Home Hospice during mom’s final days on this Earth. A special thanks to neighbors, Frank and Karen Morales who were her guardian angels.

Serving as pallbearers will be: James Adams, Charlie Barnes, Royce Barnes, Frank Morales, Ethan Levine and Mike Blanchard.