Lawrence H. "Jose" Barnes

Jose’ was a devoted husband of 34 years to Otelia (Tina) Barnes, who preceded him in death in 2022, and a loving father to daughters Shana Jefferson and Genee’ (Ricardo) Reed, and son Kevin (Joanna) Barnes. He also leaves behind his beloved grandsons, Malcolm Barnes, Justin Smith, Richaad (Dana) Reed, and Jerrod Reed, granddaughter Amber Smith, and great-grandson Dallas Smith.

Jose’ possessed a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor, bringing joy to those around him. He was a man of great intellect, having earned his undergraduate degree from Howard University and a Master's in Business from George Washington University. A lifelong member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Jose was a dedicated mentor and generous donor, deeply committed to supporting the young men of his beloved fraternity.

A third-generation Washingtonian, Jose was born and raised in Washington, D.C. His career was marked by dedication and service. While attending Howard University, he worked as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Washington D.C., demonstrating his strong work ethic. He then worked as a labor investigator in Washington, D.C. before transitioning to the Foreign Service Office of the government, where he rose to the rank of G6, contributing significantly to foreign service operations. He concluded his distinguished career at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) as a Financial Director, where he oversaw grants and contracts. He took great pride in his work, having significantly expanded the budget from approximately $5 million to $35 million during his tenure, demonstrating his exceptional leadership and financial expertise.

In his leisure time, Jose’ found solace and joy in the music of Miles Davis, a testament to his appreciation for the art of jazz. He also enjoyed live music at the renowned Fox Trap, a beloved venue in the D.C. area, and sharing martinis with his large group of lifelong friends.

Jose' never missed a Howard University homecoming since 1965, a testament to his enduring school spirit.

He loved vacationing in Virginia Beach, particularly enjoying seafood at the Chart House with his family.

A true enthusiast of sports cars, he cherished the memories of owning his Triumph TR4A, Karmann Ghia, Oldsmobile, and Nissan 280Z. He also enjoyed traveling to warm locations, especially Hawaii, and annual trips to Virginia Beach with wife Tee.

The Viewing and Memorial services will be held on April 4th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Robert E. Evans Funeral Home, 16000 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715. Jose' will then be laid to rest at Maryland National Cemetery in the family plot with his beloved wife, Otelia.