Elizabeth Barnes

Elizabeth "Libba" McClelland Barnes, known affectionately by some as "Honey" or "Uncle Libba," passed away on June 1, 2022, almost 84 years from her birthdate of June 10, 1938. Legendary for her laughter, beautiful smile and biting wit, Libba charged charismatically through this world, flamboyantly relishing a life of politics, parties, golf and ranching, with family and friends from all walks of life.

Libba grew up in San Antonio and on her family ranch, Cuatro Paisanas, in George West, Texas, savoring her South Texas ranching culture and traditions. She graduated from St. Marys Hall High School and Trinity University. In her 20s she was both a Duchess and Princess for the Order of the Alamo Fiesta Coronation, and later was Mistress of the Robes for the Court of the Sun King. In 1963 she met and married the handsome John Burton Barnes.

From early adulthood, Libba was passionate for politics and worked tirelessly for causes and people she backed. The Federation of Republican Women honored Libba at their "Tribute to Women" for good reason: She founded the Bexar County Young Womens Republican Club and served as its first President. Libba chaired the Bexar County Campaigns for Presidents Nixon and Ford, and many events for local and national politicians. She relished her role as Republican State Committeewoman for eight years, planning everything from finance committees to Jack Kemps birthday dinner.

Libba was no slacker in civic duties either; her interests spread as widely as the range of friends she made as she went. Libba was appointed by President Reagan to be Commissioner of the National Park Service, San Antonio Missions, and in 1974 was named one of the Outstanding Women in America. She was Director Emeritus for the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, President of the San Antonio Art League, and an active Board member of the San Antonio Conservation Society, the Junior League, Fiesta San Antonio Commission, San Antonio Museum Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Bexar County Child Welfare, St. Marys University, Los Campadres, and the Bexar County Civil Service Commission. Libba also enjoyed memberships at the San Antonio Country Club, the Argyle Club, the Petroleum Club, the Supper Club, and Los Festivos.

Libbas energy extended to a competitive love of sports. A lifelong golfer, Libba played countless rounds at the San Antonio Country Club, and spent summers playing at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. One of her greatest life joys was as a part owner in the New Orleans Saints football team, cheering them on to their Super Bowl victory in 2009 and then proudly wearing her Super Bowl ring every day. The "Who Dat?" parties thrown in her Owners box made Bourbon Street revelers look like amateurs.

The original extrovert, Libba loved a party; her house always teemed with a steady crowd of interesting and diverse people from her varied endeavors. When she wasnt entertaining or hitting golf balls, she could be found travelling with her grandchildren or playing cards with friends on the beach in La Jolla. She was truly interested in knowing people, their backgrounds and opinions--though heaven help the soul whose politics didnt align, or who double-crossed a friend; for these, there was a special place in her infamous A**hole jar. But there was a deeper place in her heart, fiercely loyal and loving, for family and friends, whether famous, humble, shiny or damaged. Libba welcomed so many people into her life and home, with genuine interest, acceptance, generosity, and love.

Libba was preceded in death by her cherished son, John Burton Barnes, Jr., her infant daughter Bonita, her former husband John Burton Barnes; her parents Josephine "Dodie" West McClelland and Colonel C.K. "Mac" McClelland; her sisters Josephine "Jo" West McClelland McNamee and Mary Vance "Vancie" McClelland Bohls, and brother-in-law Al McNamee. She is survived by her two beloved grandchildren, Bracken West Barnes and John Burton Barnes, her sister Toby McClelland Tate and brothers-in- law John Tate and Carl Bohls. Special love and gratitude to Janie Martinez for her devotion, friendship and famous cookies to Libba for 42 years.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

2:00 PM

ST. MARKS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

315 E. PECAN STREET, SAN ANTONIO

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeos Scholarship Program at sarodeo.com or (210) 225-5851.Click here to live stream the service of Elizabeth "Libba" McClelland Barnes