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George Barnes Obituary
Templeton - George W. Barnes Sr., 96, died Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021 in Athol Hospital after an illness.
He was born Aug. 18, 1925, in Hardwick, son of William B. and Emma C. Barnes of Petersham and lived for many years in Templeton.
He was a graduate of Petersham High School and earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from Purdue University in Indiana.
He was employed as an engineer at Norton Company in Worcester, travelling nationally and internationally for his work. Weekends and evenings he built a large house in which he and his wife, Shirley, raised their five children.
He was a Korean War veteran, serving with H-Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. After the war, he served for many years with the Marine Corps Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.
He was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association of Worcester County, the Worcester Korean War Memorial of Central MA Committee, American Legion Post 373 in Baldwinville, the Pequoig Detachment of the Marine Corps League in Athol, and the First Marine Division Association. For many years he attended reunions of Korean War veterans of H-Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment.
He was an avid skier and a longtime member of the National Ski Patrol, working at Mount Watatic and Wachusett Mountain. He served his community on school building committees, the Dollars for Scholars musicales in Templeton and playing clarinet in the Petersham Brass Band. He led Templeton Boy Scouts on many 50-mile hikes on the Appalachian Trail. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, traveling to Maine, Montana, and Canada to enjoy his sports.
Mr. Barnes was a lifelong baseball fan, having grown up on the sandlots of Petersham; even in his final days he followed the trials and tribulations of the Red Sox. He was also a football and hockey fan, spending many evenings watching games with his son Thomas.
He was an avid reader and gifted writer, having consulted on several books about the Korean War. After retirement, he visited many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, China, South Korea and Ireland.
He leaves two daughters, Kathleen J. Barnes and her husband, Paul Krysiak, of Tolland, Conn., and Mary Barnes of Templeton; three sons, Thomas M. Barnes and his wife, Robin, of Petersham, George W. Barnes Jr. and his wife, Maria, of Templeton, and Charles W. Barnes and his wife, of Wasilla, Alaska.
Also, grandchildren, Thomas M. Barnes II and his wife, Shannon, of Leominster, Rebecca M. Shersnow and her partner, Earl Sweat, of Phillipston, Michael P. Shersnow of Shutesbury, and Elizabeth E. Barnes of Lafayette, IN; great-grandchildren, Cody and Chase Barnes of Leominster and Elijah and Gwen Shersnow of Shutesbury, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley A. (Henshaw) Barnes, brother, James Barnes, and grand-daughter-in-law Tanya Shersnow.
Calling hours will be Thursday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks Chapel of the Mack Family Funeral Homes, 105 Central St., Gardner. Funeral services will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Cross Church, 17-99 Lake Ave., East Templeton. Burial will follow in East Street Cemetery, Petersham, MA
Donations in Mr. Barnes' memory may be made to the Korean War Memorial of Central MA Inc., P.O. Box 16568, Worcester, MA 01601.
Kevin J. Mack and Walter C. Taylor, funeral directors. To leave an online condolence please visit
www.mackfamiilyfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Barnes
Sponsored by Mack Family Funeral Homes - Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks Chapel.
6 Entries
Robert Smith
September 2, 2021
I am truly sorry to hear of Georges passing.
I worked with George over 30 years at Norton Co.
George was one of the kindest, helpful person I have ever met.
Georges contributions to life surely will be missed.
In sincere sympathy,
Robert C Smith
Sterling, Ma.
roy m. henshaw
September 2, 2021
My Uncle George was one of those individuals known as a "special hidden nugget in a family tree". He was always supportive, helpful, available and willing to do anything. I will certainly miss the 'Kernel'.
George was blessed with military training and discipline
to the extent that I always stood at attention when he spoke even if he was telling a joke or dispensing encouragement.
George did a lot of living his way. He built a road called Henshaw Lane with only the help of a 1931 ford hand crank 4 cylinder dump truck without a muffler. He did most of his road building sans a military uniform but always exceeded US ROAD BUILDING STANDARDS. To hear that old ford roar up Henshaw Road from the gravel bank was an inspiration to us all especially my my grandparents Charles and Mildred Henshaw. He looked like he was driving a humvee model V destruction vehicle up the hill in Korea getting ready to issue orders, salute, point, and do all the things a Kernel does in the military.
Once the road was done Uncle George built a beautiful home for his bride ,, my Aunt Shirley (henshaw) Barnes. That is where the family lived.
I mowed some of the side road at Henshaw Lane with my lawnmower the other day and couldn't help but think how lucky and blessed I am to have him as an uncle. I know he will be missed and loved.
Send an e-mail to St Peter with a warning that the Kernal is coming and to stand at attention. He is the one in line for a heart of gold.
I know my whole family will miss him - at ease kernal,, you are home now
Donna M Shibley, GFWC Massachusetts State President
August 31, 2021
So sorry to hear of your family's loss.
Thank you to your dad for his service to our country.
Mary, may you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Tina and Brian Reeves
August 31, 2021
We are friends of Kathy and Paul. Our prayers are with you and your family. Kathy, your dad's story is an amazing one. We are all better of because of him and his military mates.
Scott Hebert & Staff of the Lamoureux Fletcher Community Funeral Home
August 30, 2021
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Calling hours
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Mack Family Funeral Homes - Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks Chapel105 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440
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Mack Family Funeral Homes - Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks Chapel105 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440
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