Brother Edgar Dayton Barnes, 84 years of age, departed from his earthly body January 2nd, 2024, at Baptist hospital. Bro. Barnes was born September 20, 1939, in Etowah AR to the late James and Dovie Barnes. He was preceded in death by his beloved sons, Tim and Robert; brothers, Buddy, John Robert, and Otis; and his sister, Martha. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Sister Carolyn Barnes of Proctor, Arkansas; daughter in law, Jan Barnes; grandchildren, Nate, Charlena and Mandy; multiple great and great-great grandchildren, and thousands of brothers and sisters in Christ.
Bro. Barnes was truly a man of God. He was called to preach at 30 years of age and shortly after, he founded Midway Baptist Church where he faithfully served as a fisherman of souls for over 50 years. If you’ve ever met him and asked him how he was, he would always answer with a smile, “Saved and going to Heaven!!” Even in his pain ridden body, his answer never changed. He was a selfless servant of the Lord and would give anyone his last dollar (and a gospel track of course) and would do it without asking why. His mission on earth was to lead souls to Christ and there is no doubt that he was greeted by his Savior with a “well done thy good and faithful servant”.
Bro. Barnes was not only a loving and dedicated pastor and preacher, he was a devoted husband and father. Anytime he spoke about his boys, his eyes would light up and you could feel the love flow from him. He called Sister Carolyn “Momma” and “Momma” was his heart and soul. He often preached about loving your wife like Christ loves the church and his love for her was an amazing example of how true love is and should be.
Bro. Barnes was a kind, gentle, humble man with a fierce and burning desire to serve the Lord and others. He was a decorated soldier in the Lord’s Army and will be dearly missed by all of those who knew him. Friends, loved ones and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are welcomed to celebrate his homegoing with a visitation Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 200 N. Missouri St, West Memphis, AR 72301. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM. A committal service will occur at Crittenden Memorial Park, 2206 US-64, Marion, AR 72364 from 3:30 PM to 3:45 PM.
