Charles L. Barnes left us to be with our Lord on August 2, 2023. He was born March 17, 1947, to Jack and Charlene Barnes. The family moved to Zion, Illinois when he was five. He graduated from Zion Benton High School in 1965, then joined the Marine Corps and served preeminent 1st Battalion Ninth Marine “The Walking Dead”. He fought bravely in Vietnam (ChuLai/ DaNang) in 1968-1969. He earned the rank of Staff Sargent, received two Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal with one star. Honorably discharged in 1971, but was always a Marine. He married Kathy Miller, and had two children, Kimberly and Scott.
He worked 40+ years as a Printing Production Manager for Nosco, Abbott Labs, RPP and Graphic Partners. He volunteered as a firefighter in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, and in Booneville was an EMT on the ambulance crew and even delivered a baby.
Charlie had a great sense of humor, was an avid reader, and animal lover. He was very knowledgeable of history, sport statistics, and current events. He enjoyed all sports, and was a true blue Cubs fan.
Charlie married Margaret “Peggy” McClure in 1984. They shared love of family, animals, travel, and sports for over 39 years. He retired in 2012, moved to Florida in 2015, and came back to Booneville in June 2021 to be with loving family.
A Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at McMillan Funeral Home with Bro. Jeremy Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Booneville Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
He is survived by his wife Margaret Barnes; son, Scott Barnes (Denise) of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois; sister, Carolyn Lenzini (Dave) of Booneville, Mississippi; brother, Jerry Barnes (Becky) of Booneville, Mississippi; grandson, Tristan Barnes (Killian Kray) of Zion, Illinois; and many beloved nephews, nieces and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Charlene Barnes, and lovey daughter, Kimberly Barnes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Kanab, Utah.
Condolences may be left at www.mcmillanfuneralhome.com.
