Gerald Carl Barnes, Sr.

Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, Jerry was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School class of 1961 and Southwest Texas State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement. His love of baseball and football ran deep, which later turned into a semi-professional football career before joining the Army. After his tour in the United States Army, Jerry worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. After a few years he joined the team at American Airlines until his retirement in 1996.

Jerry was a member of the San Antonio Gypsy Motorcycle Club, where he was affectionately known as “Viking”. His love for riding spanned the 70’s, 80’s and into the 90’s. Many of his life-long friends were established during this time and those friendships will forever be cherished. Jerry also gave his time to many non-profit organizations including his membership with the San Antonio Conservation Society and his many decades of volunteering with Fiesta’s best event - Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA). You could always catch Jerry building booths, restocking items, selling and frying egg rolls, and socializing with the many people who proudly called him a friend. He also loved the interaction and camaraderie of people through golf and poker.

In 2004, he married his long-time love and partner, Carol Craven Barnes, and together they spent over 39 years together traveling the world, including over 30 cruises and spending time with family, friends, and neighbors who have become great friends.

His proudest title was Dad, where he shared his love of travel, adventure, giving back, and constantly exposing his children to new experiences. He always pushed them to try new things even when they were not comfortable or sure; every task completed was a lesson learned. Jerry loved his children and grandchildren never missing birthdays, baptisms, performances, football, and baseball games.

He is preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Jason Holland.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Melissa Holland; son, Gerald Carl Barnes, Jr. (Laurie); four grandchildren, Blake, Brandt, and Brooks Barnes, and Calen Holland; brothers-in-law, Clyde Craven (Susan); Dickey Craven (Michelle); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry’s family has so many people to thank: the friends, family and neighbors who helped in so many ways, and the wonderful people at Hope Hospice Care and his care giver Albinca (Mina) Pop.

Honorary Pallbearers: Ed Clark, Rod Enlow, Bob Friesenhahn, Roy McCharen, Roger Ross & Rick Weston.

Of course, there is a long list of friends that meant the world to Jerry over the years, and we appreciate the friendship that you all have shown him.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Jerry to American Cancer Society, San Antonio Pets Alive, St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, or Shriner’s.

A visitation will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, from 5:00-7:00pm. A graveside service is scheduled on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 11:15am, at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.

“Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief there was the greatest love.” – Annette J. Dunlea