Born June 20, 1927, in Friendship, he was the son of Leon and Abigail Barnes. He was married to Helen Unfus, who survives.
Mr. Barnes graduated from Friendship Central School in 1945. He took courses at Jamestown Community College (Olean), Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio), St. Bonaventure University, Lincoln Electric Co. (Cleveland, Ohio) and Dresser Co. (Dallas Texas).
He joined the U.S. Navy Seabees in 1945 at the age of 17, and was a combat veteran during World War II, spending over a year on Okinawa.
Mr. Barnes was a member of Portville American Legion Post 814 for 55 years, also serving as post commander, and for 15 years as Legion manager.
He worked for Clark Bros./Dresser Clark/Dresser Rand Co. for 42 years. He held many positions during this time, rising to the position of machining manager prior to retirement. In his retirement, Dresser Rand employed him on a consulting basis. During his working career he made two trips to China, one to Taiwan, and a number to other Dresser facilities in various states and countries around the world. He also worked for short periods in Connecticut for Dresser.
Mr. Barnes had served as the mayor of the Village of Portville. During his terms, Portville built the current Municipal Building and developed Elm Street as a through street to Portville Central School. He also served as trustee of the Town of Portville. He served long terms as trustee and president of Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Portville, as a member of the Portville Park Commission and as a member of the Board of Appeals of the Village of Portville. The Portville Alumni Association named him to its Hall of Fame in 2011 for his "outstanding contribution to the community of Portville."
Mr. Barnes was a member and past president of the Olean/Bradford Chapter of the American Welding Society for 25 years, and a lifetime member of the National Management Association.
He was a member of River's Edge Methodist Church in Portville for more than 60 years. He spent more than 20 years years doing volunteer income tax work for the elderly.
As a younger man, he enjoyed boating, swimming and water skiing. In his retirement, he became an avid golfer. He was an avid Yankees fan, and attended one World Series and one Indy 500. He and his wife enjoyed long car trips and playing bridge together, in later years playing competitively.
He was a kind, friendly and compassionate man, who was liked and even loved by those who knew him. His was a life well lived. He is missed by his family and friends.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Thomas Barnes of Olean.
He was predeceased by his brother, Robert (Francis) Barnes.
At Mr. Barnes' request, there will be no visitation or funeral services. Burial will be in Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Portville.
Memorials may be made to the Portville Free Library or the Cattaraugus County SPCA.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home Inc., 51 S. Main St., Portville.
