Robert Thompson Barnes

Funeral services for Robert Thompson Barnes, 89, of Steele, Alabama, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Attalla, Alabama. Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Steele Cemetery. The Reverend Jimmy Harrison will officiate.

Mr. Barnes passed away peacefully on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Crowne Health Care in Fort Payne, Alabama.

Robert was a devoted husband, father, and a cherished "Pawpaw" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Spending time with his family was the absolute joy of his life. A lifelong hard worker, Robert began farming at a young age and never truly retired until moving to DeKalb County to live with his daughter a few years ago. Throughout his life, he farmed cotton and worked at many tomato farms on Chandler Mountain, helping maintain the grading systems in the packing houses. He was also a skilled carpenter who built numerous homes and structures over the years. He was a true "jack of all trades."

Deeply committed to his community and faith, Robert was a founding member of the Steele Booster Club, where he helped rebuild; the ballpark concession stand and improve local facilities. He served as a Steele Town Councilman from 2008 to 2012, playing a key role in securing a new community center and making lasting contributions to the town.

A faithful member of Steele Baptist Church for over 50 years, Robert served on numerous committees and drove the church bus and van. His true heart for ministry was centered on the local nursing home. He helped establish the Steele Baptist Church Nursing Home Ministry and faithfully drove the church van every Sunday morning so residents could attend services, often spending time visiting one-on-one with those unable to leave their rooms.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Dollie Barnes; beloved wife of 55 years, Margaret Barnes; brothers Charlie Barnes, Earl Barnes, Bill Barnes, Calvin Barnes, and Louie Jester; sisters Lela Byars, Imogene Perk, Geraldine Payne, and June Bishop; and his dearly beloved nephew, David “Rover” Walker.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathy (Bryan) Hiland; grandchildren Brooke (Logan) Battles, Baylor (Amalia) Richey, Kayla (Lee) Hiland, and Mason Hiland; great-grandchildren Blaire Battles and Ellie Hiland; sisters Barbara Walker and Betty Whitt; brother-in-law Ray Ingle; and special nephews whom he helped raise, Greg (Mary) Walker and Jeff (Karen) Barnes. He was also a beloved Pawpaw to their children and grandchildren: Nikki (Kaleb) Graves (Emma Wilkerson, Kooper Graves), Zach (Gracie) Walker (Addalynn and Wilder Walker), Dalton Walker, Wesley (Maria) Walker (Evelyn and Gabriel Walker), Derrick (Linzie) Walker (Hayes Walker), Hunter Barnes, and Hannah Barnes.

Pallbearers will be Greg Walker, Jeff Barnes, Wesley Walker, Derrick Walker, Zach Walker, Dalton Walker, Logan Battles, and Grayson Kellett.

In place of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Steele Baptist Church Nursing Home Ministry, 3811 Pope Ave., Steele, AL 35987.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Crowne Health Care of Fort Payne for the loving, daily care provided to Mr. Barnes, as well as his special friends at the facility. Warm thanks go to Phillip “Red” Mulkey for his daily phone calls, frequent visits, and for sharing music with Robert and the residents. Finally, the family is deeply grateful to all the friends and family who traveled to Fort Payne to visit Robert.