He proudly served his country for over 20 years in the US Navy, in Korea and Vietnam.
In between his tours of duty, he attended and graduated from Texas A&M. The rest of
his naval career was served as a recruiter. After retirement from the Navy, he worked
fifteen years as a civilian for the Naval Air Station Dallas. Then retired completely and
enjoyed the country life with his wife in Wood County Texas before they moved to
Longview. He enjoyed traveling, western novels, daily newspapers, barbecuing,
football, boxing, gardening, music and more. Bert must have known every big band and
all of their songs. When listening to a "Best of the 40's" station he knew every song and
artist in just a few notes. If you ever had time for a conversation with him the topics
were few that he didn't know something about. Bert and his wife's favorite travel
destination was their trip to China, one of the highlights being a tour of the Great Wall of
China.
Bert is survived by step-children Melissa and husband Larry, John and wife Becky,
seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, his brother David and wife Judy,
Carol and husband Larry, sister-in-law Annette, brother-in-law Hans and wife Carol, and
several nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his wife Gisela, brother
Gordon, sister Shirley, and his parents Ora and Vera Barnes.
To his family and friends, he was known as considerate, gentle and kind. Bert had a
way of finding joy and fun in life; his sense of humor was always quick and witty. He will
be missed; may we carry his memory in our hearts. Service will be April 10, 2018 at
Lakeview Funeral Home at 5000 W Harrison Rd in Longview TX; viewing from 1:00pm
to 2:00pm with funeral service at 2:00 pm. There will be a committal service at Dallas-
Fort Worth National Cemetery April 11, 2018 at 2:15pm.
