Freddie Eugene Barnes, age 87, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2022 in the care of Compassus Hospice group. Freddie was born on October 7, 1934 to Inis (Whitehead) Barnes and Clarence Ellis Barnes in Webb City, MO. Freddie married his high school sweetheart Jacqueline (Jo) Josephine Nelson October 31, 1953 in Seneca, MO. The couple moved to California for a short period before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1955.
Freddie served honorably for 21 years with the US Air Force and his bride Jo, supporting him all the way. Over the span of that career the couple welcomed two sons, Freddie Eugene Barnes, Jr and Douglas Leroy Barnes. He was stationed in Colorado, Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Guam, 1 tour in Vietnam. He finished out his Air Force career in 1976 as a Weapons Instructor at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado and the family settled in Aurora, Colorado. He received numerous commendations as well as the Air Force Commendation Medal during his Air Force career and service to this country.
Freddie went on to work another 20 years as a truck driver for Koch Oil, Beco Transportation and retired from Yellow Freight in 1996, and was a member of the Teamsters Union. During these years he was a member of the Masons/Shriners, with his home lodge in Miami, Oklahoma, a member of the Scottish Rite Consistory of Denver and the El Jebel Shrine. He and Jo were members of Gateway Christian Church in Aurora, CO for over 40 years. They loved to go camping with friends, entertain and attend car club events. Their love for music shined through when they would take the dance floor together at parties, weddings and other events.
Freddie displayed great pride for his country and that resonated to all who knew him. The flag pole in front of his home was center stage. He loved the Lord, his family and his dogs. Most recently his beloved dog, Jack whom he shared many pickup rides with, usually ending with a stop at McDonalds to get a cheeseburger (for Jack). He was beloved not only by his family, but by the many people he met through the classic car world. He was in his element when working on, restoring or just taking long trips or drives with Jo in one of the many classic cars that he owned His love for good old fashioned country music was evident by the stations tuned in on his radio. Ray Price, “For the Good Times” was a favorite.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years (Jo) Jacqueline Barnes, his parents Inis and Clarence Barnes, his brother Charlie Barnes, his sister Wilma (Barnes) Gregory and his daughter in law, Cynthia June (Koenig) Barnes. He’s rejoicing with them all in heaven.
He is survived by his two sons; Freddie Eugene Barnes Jr (Patricia) of Aurora, CO and Douglas Leroy Barnes of Aurora, CO. Four grandchildren; Brooke (Barnes) Cao, Brittney (Barnes) O’Neill, Courtney (Barnes) Throgmorton and Tyler Barnes He is also survived by 11 great grandchildren whom loved and referred to him as Grandpa or Grappa.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Compassus Hospice in honor of Freddie are welcomed.
Visitation – Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, 8600 E Hampden Ave, Denver CO 80231, Wednesday, June 1, 2022 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Graveside Service, Fort Logan National Cemetery (Staging Area A), 4400 W Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO 80236 June 2, 2022 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Family and Friends reception immediately following graveside services at Gateway Christian Church, 14700 E Mississippi Ave, Aurora CO 80012
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the Barnes family.
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