Lester Paul Barnes

Lester's life began on December 26, 1919 in Dowagiac, the son of Oral and Ruth (Byers) Barnes. Les was a 1940 graduate of Dowagiac Central High School. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. Les was united in marriage to the former Jean Spivey on June 21, 1941 in Goshen, IN. Les was the owner of the Sherwin Williams Paint Store on Front St. in Dowagiac for 25 years. He served on the Dowagiac Volunteer Fire Dept for 41 years. Les was a life member of the Dowagiac Conservation Club, Peninsular Lodge #10 of the Free and Accepted Masons, Royal Order Arch Masons #36, the Low 12 Club, life member of the Order of the Eastern Star and former President of the Dowagiac Exchange Club. His greatest joy was his family which includes his sons Robert P. Barnes of Kalamazoo, David J. Barnes of Gambrills, MD, and Mark Barnes of Kalamazoo, six grandchildren, four great grandchildren and two sisters Dorothy Wallace of South Bend and Nancy Corwin of Dowagiac. Lester passed away on Sunday March 21, 2010 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He is preceded in death by his wife Jean in 2007. His family will gather with friends on Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday 9- 10 a.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel where his funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. led by his son Deacon David Barnes. He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery with Marine Corps honors following the service. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Cass County Council on Aging. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Lester at www.yazel-clark.com.