Thomas C. “Buddy” Barnes Jr. of Cedar Park went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 15, 2018. Surrounded by his family who adored him, he passed away peacefully in his home that he lovingly tended and shaped. He lived a full and blessed life for 91 years, 66 of those years married to his wife Faye Barnes, whom he loved for her affectionate, trusting, and dependable nature. They were truly soul mates, both gentle and loving and completely devoted to each other, their family and friends.
Buddy was considered by those who knew him to be gentle, kind, patient and handsome. He was both humble & strong, a good man in every sense of the word. He taught his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, not by word, because he was a soft spoken man, but by his outstanding and steadfast character.
Buddy was a happy soul his whole life. His childhood days were spent in Troy, Texas where life was simple and sense of community was treasured. He joined the Army at the age of 18 and honorably served his country in Germany, receiving 3 citations. While there, he made a friend who sparked his passion for photography. After the war, he married the love of his life Faye and got a job at UT as a photographer. He worked there for 40 years, filming every Longhorn football game and taking many slides and prints for professors from numerous departments. Buddy also tremendously enjoyed camping, from sleeping out under the stars at Garner State Park on cots to spending summers in an RV in the mountains of Colorado. In retirement Buddy also loved his workshop; crafting games, toys and other special items for family and friends.
Buddy was a faithful member of Koenig Lane Christian Church, enjoying worship with family & friends, being the spiritual leader of his family, and introducing his children to God. He loved being a Boy Scout’s troop leader and deacon for the church.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Clarence Barnes Sr. & Lottie Lela Sypert. His sisters Dixie August & Caroline Hunziker, and brothers-in-law George August & Russ Knause. He is survived by his brother-in-law James Hunziker & sister-in-law Claudette Knause. His three children & their spouses; Michael and Terrie Barnes, Sherrie and Bill Spradlin, Betsy and Chris Nardi; twelve surviving grandchildren and their spouses: Jessica Minneti, John Barnes, Cliff and Veronica Despres, Kristin Despres, Greg and Courtney Despres, Morgan Barnes, Erin and Brad Woolsey, Shane Spradlin, Tristan Spradlin, Trevor and Megan Spradlin, Max and Leo Nardi. Buddy also has 13 adorable great grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews who were dear to him.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 19 at 6:00–8:00pm at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752. Funeral services will be Friday, July 20 at 12:30pm at Koenig Lane Christian Church, 908 Old Koenig Lane, Austin, TX 78756. Service will be preceded by light lunch and visitation beginning at 11:00am. Graveside services to follow at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park, 4219 Park Rd. 4 South, Burnet, TX 78611.
