H.J. “Joe” Barnes passed on April 14, 2008, at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth in Beaumont.
Born on August 26, 1955, in Georgetown, Ohio, Joe grew up in Brown County. After years of hard working and living a farm life. Joe decided at the age of 17 to serve his country in the U.S. Army, where he earned his G.E.D. While in the Army, Joe also received the National Defense Medal, Expert Hand Grenade Medal, and the Sharpshooter M16 Medal. Serving 3 full years in the Army, he was honorably discharged then served 12 years in the reserves being discharged in 1988. In 1993, Joe received his Associate Degree in Medical Assisting at Southern State Community College. He continued his medical career in transcription at St. Elizabeth’s in Beaumont. When Joe was suddenly called home to Our Father, he was working in Medical Records at St. Elizabeth’s.
He also lead an enthusiastic life working with music. As a lead guitarist and vocalist, Joe was just as comfortable with a guitar and pic as he was sitting down at the computer. His energetic spirit lives on thru his music.
Preceding him in death were both parents Earl and Nona (Lursford) Barnes, older brother Calvin and Father-in-law Elmer Rolph and Johnny Scalf. He is survived by his wife, Roweena Barnes; mother-in-law, Rosa Rolph, sons Rusty Scalf and wife Pat, Danny Scalf and wife Heather; daughters, Angela Sears and Dana, Shawna Barnes, brother, Albert Barnes; sister, Connie Simpson, brothers-in-law, Richard Scalf and wife Emily, Tim Rolph and wife Hazel, sister-in-law, Tammy Allen and Lee, four grandsons, Jacob, Garrett Stephenson, Bryce Scalf and Darrel Gotherman, one granddaughter, T.J. Scalf and many adoptive sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren, several nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces and a host of friends.
Visitation will be held 5:00 – 8:00 PM, Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at Broussard’s Mortuary in Nederland. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 19, 2008 at Thompson- Meeker Funeral Home in West Union, Ohio, with visitation scheduled from 10:00 AM until time of service. Immediately following services, Joe will be laid to rest at West Union Village Cemetery in West Union, Ohio.
