Russel Barnes

LIFESTORY:

Although Russel Barnes found enjoyment in many things and accomplished so much of which to be proud, there was nothing of greater significance in his heart and life than the faith in God that was engraved upon his heart. He worked hard and was devoted to the community he called home, and his devotion to his family was unmatched. Those who knew Russel knew they could always count on him to be honest, even if his words were not easy to hear. Known for his sweet tooth for candy and unending love for Mountain Dew, he never could turn down strawberry anything either. An extraordinary man who lived an extraordinary life filled with devotion, love, and compassion, Russel will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

The year 1929 is often remembered as one of the darkest years in our nation’s history as the stock market crash on October 29th of that year sent our nation and much of the world into the downward spiral of the Great Depression. The years prior to that dark day were filled with prosperity as innovation fueled countless changes that took us places we had never been. It was on July 17, 1929, that a young couple from Schoolcraft, Michigan, were overjoyed to welcome a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home. Baby Russel was the second of four children in his family and was raised alongside his older brother, Gerry, and his younger siblings, Dorri and Joyce. His parents, Gerald and Alene (Paulin) Barnes, were hardworking people as his father worked for the railroad while his mother worked as a secretary for Angel’s Insurance in Schoolcraft. Russel enjoyed a childhood that was rather typical for other young people of his generation and attended local schools. He went on to graduate from Schoolcraft High School in 1947.

Not to be forgotten during this time was Russel’s blossoming romance with the young woman with whom he would share the best years of his life. Her name was Lillie Griffin, and after dating for a time the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together, Russel and Lillie were united in marriage on February 4, 1949. Together they were blessed with five children: Terry, Debby, Kathy, Russell, and Tim. For a short time they lived in Vicksburg but when Russel's father died, he felt they should move to Schoolcraft so he could help her when needed. It was here that they raised their bustling brood. After she died in the seventies, they moved to the family home on Clay where they remained for the rest of Russel’s life.

There were so many things that kept Russel busy through the years. He spent 37 years in the pill and coating department at Upjohn. Russel also worked as a shuttle driver, taking people where they needed to go, at Cole Gilmore for many years. With faith as his constant companion, he was a longtime member of Bethany Chapel in Three Rivers. Russel also had a love for antique cars throughout his entire life. Because of his love for his community, Russel served on the Schoolcraft Village Council for ten years. During their retirement years, he and Lille loved exchanging the cold Michigan winters in for the warm Florida sunshine as snowbirds for many years. When it came to his favorite foods Russel was known for his sweet tooth, although he never did care for chocolate. He loved strawberry anything, but strawberry shortcake was his favorite, and he always liked any kind of candy that was not chocolate. Mountain Dew was a staple in Russel’s diet - so much so that his last request before he died was for some of the Mountain Dew he loved.

Throughout his life Russel loved in his family dearly. He was overjoyed when his family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren later in life. A true dog lover, Russel treasured the companionship of his two dogs, Buddy and Harley, and he was convinced that he would never love any other dogs the way he loved them.

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Russel Barnes fully embraced the days set before him while deeply loving those around him. He possessed an unwavering faith that served as the compass he used to direct his path. Russel was kindhearted and genuine - a man of great character who provides us all with much to aspire for. The memories he leaves behind with be a lasting treasure in the hearts and lives of his loved ones.

Russel D. Barnes of Schoolcraft died on Friday, January 20, 2012. Russel’s family includes his wife, Lillie; five children: Terry (Chuck) Frisk, of Schoolcraft; Debby (Rick) Myles, of Mattawan; Kathy (Jim) Maxwell, of Tampa, FL; Russell Lee (Linda) Barnes, of Schoolcraft; Tim (Patti) Barnes, of Lawton; six grandchildren, with a special grandson: Nathan Barnes; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Delores Barnes, of Portage; and two beloved dogs, Buddy and Harley. Russel was preceded in death by one sister: Joyce Robertson and one brother: Gerald Barnes. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Bethany Chapel, 15130 Millard Road Three Rivers. Please visit Russel’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign his memory book online. Those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Bethany Chapel and Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. The family is being assisted by the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main St., Vicksburg (649-1697).