Services to honor the life of Mr. Kenneth Robert Barns, 91, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 14, 2013, at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Tom Brown. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Centuries Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Friday evening between the hours of 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Ken was born on April 22, 1921, in Kansas City, KS to parents, Elmer Burton and Rosetta Marie (Slyter) Barns. He passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at his last home, the North West Louisiana War Veterans Home in Bossier City.
Ken joined the U.S. Navy on September 10, 1940 and served his country faithfully as a Motor Machinists Mate Second Class until his Honorable Discharge in 1946. On December 7, 1941, Ken was serving on the USS West Virginia when the attack on Pearl Harbor took place. His was the first ship to be hit and sank in the harbor. During his time with the U.S. Navy he served on many ships including USS West Virginia, USS Salt Lake City, USS Summer, USS APC 16, USS LST 457, USS LSM 162, USS LSI 799, USS LSM 352, and USS LSM 26. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific 5 stars, American Area, Philippine Liberation, American Defense 1 star, WWII Victory Medal, and Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal. On December 10, 1946, he married the love of his life, Elaine Larance and later moved to Shreveport in 1958. Ken has worn many hats over the years including accountant, auditor, and law enforcement. He was also a member of P.M. Broadmoor Lodge #432, Shreveport York Rite Bodies, Shreveport Scottish Rite Thirty Third Degree, and El Karubah Shrine Patrol Unit.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Larance Barns; brother, Charles Burton Barns; sisters, Vera Mae and Rosemary; and his parents. He is survived by his nieces, Verla Joe Grenfield and husband, Bill, Charlene Dupre , Linda Heatherington and husband, Robert, Kathy Crain and husband, Robert, all of Missouri, Sue Kendell and husband, Joe, and Annie Simones all of California, Karen Wisener and husband, Jim of Arkansas; nephews, J.R. Johnson and wife, Deborah of California, Clayton Barns and wife, Gail of Texas, Rich Dodson and wife, Katrina of California, Larry Larance and wife, Beth of Georgia, Tommy Larance and wife, Carolyn of Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Shreveport Scottish Rite Foundation.
You may offer condolences and sign the on-line guest book by visiting www.centuriesmemorialfh.com.
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