//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpgObituary
Raymond "Ray" Eldon Barnes, 82, died on Saturday, June 22nd, 2024, at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan, of natural age-related causes. Ray was welcomed into the world on September 30th, 1941, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, by his parents Raymond Eldon Barnes and Anna Mia (Smith) Barnes. His brother Clarke Cordner Barnes was born only one year and three days later. After high school Ray studied at the University of Iowa, spent four years in the Navy, and finished his education, graduating from Western Michigan University in 1969, with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in mathematics and a minor in religion. After graduation, Ray was employed by the Upjohn Company, where he absolutely loved his work as a senior systems analyst and retired in 1999. He was not enjoying retirement, so he went back to work- spending many years working at Comsys (later Experis) until retiring again in 2019. After a brief first marriage, Ray married Rebecca McLaren (Limburg) Orban in 1974 and raised three children, Anne-Maia McLaren (born in '70; adopted by Ray in '76), Linnea Mia (born in '74), and Seth Thomas (born in '77). Some of Ray's favorite things were cycling, swimming, working, watching sports both in person and on television, doing timing and scoring for car races, good wine, delicious meals, hanging out with friends, and supporting his children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Anna Mia Pleasant and his brother Clarke. Ray is survived by his sister-in-law of 62 years, Gayle Barnes; his children Anne-Maia (Matthew) Kristof, Linnea (Zan) Powell, and Seth (Elizabeth) Barnes; nephew Patrick (Kimberly) Barnes, nieces Carrie Barnes and Kendra Moon; eleven grandchildren Austin Matthew Kristof, Emilie McLaren (Dylon) Brochon, Alissa Mia Powell, Arron Louis (Zelinda) Kristof, Tallia Ann (Evan) Scribner, Zan Eason Erwin Powell, Adirra "Addie" Mae Powell, Ian Eldon Powell, Annica Maia Powell, Victor Raymond Barnes, and Helen Catherine Barnes; three great grandchildren Giovanni, Allison, and Theodore Kristof; great nephew and great niece Bryan and Kinley Barnes; several beloved cousins, friends, and neighbors. Friends may visit with Ray's family on Monday, July 1st, from 10:00-11:00 AM, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Location, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, where his funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Mike Saylor officiating. Interment with military honors will be held on July 12th at Rock Island National Cemetery at 1:00 PM, CST. Please share memories of Ray with his family at