Richard Allen Barnes Sr.

Richard Sr. was born in Indianapolis, IN to William Ambrose and Charlotte Mae (Johnson) Barnes on February 22, 1946. He was a junior high graduate of Indianapolis Public School #26 and the class of 1963 of Arsenal Technical High School. On May 27, 1972, he married Brenda Martha Bryant and to their union were born three children: Renee Antoinette, Rosalynn Annette, and Richard Allen Barnes, Jr. He graduated valedictorian from Indiana Business College with an Associate’s Degree in Business Education. Richard Sr. worked at Cold Metal Products for 32 years and retired as a foreman. He was a dedicated employee who rarely took days off. Richard was baptized at and became a lifelong member of St. Paul A. M. E. church. His passion was to sing, and he believed his calling was singing for the Lord. He was a member of the Indiana Lay Male Chorus, St. Paul A.M.E. Church Antoines and Echolairs, and The Sounds of Music Community Choir. Richard Sr. loved singing traditional hymns and performing solo concerts. As a tenor and baritone, he was able to sing various songs and serve the Lord with his powerful voice.

Richard Sr. liked to play basketball, baseball, and was an avid card player. He enjoyed spending time with his family, life-long friends, and was a consistent jokester. Though a man of few words, he was an active and involved father and grandfather and loved his family beyond measure. He imparted to his family his generous heart, hardworking principles, and keeping God FIRST.

Richard Sr. is preceded in death by his parents and eldest brother, William Ambrose Barnes, Jr.

Richard A. Barnes, Sr. is survived by Brenda M. Barnes-Jones, (ex-wife), Children: Renee A. Barnes, Rosalynn A. (Earlon) Hollowell, Richard A. (Felecia) Barnes Jr., Brothers and Sister: David A. (Grace) Barnes II, Maurice A. (Connie) Barnes Sr., Vernon A. (Quay) Barnes, and Deborah A. (Thomas) Conn, two beloved grandsons: Richard Allen III and Roman Alexander Barnes, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A visitation for Richard will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crossroads AME Church, 4602 N. College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46205, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM.