Richard graduated from West Columbia High School 1957, in West Columbia, Texas. He served in the US Army from Oct. 4, 1960 to Oct. 3, 1962. He was assigned to C Co 46th Engr Bn (Const) at Fort Hood, TX. After being honorably discharged from the Army he enrolled in The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of Pipe Fitter Local 211 Houston, TX. He satisfactorily completed five years of Apprenticeship Training in the grade of pipe fitting on March 3, 1965. He went on to become a certified welder and worked for Local 350 in Reno, NV, where he retired.

He was a Master Mason with the St. John’s Masonic Lodge #5 in West Columbia, TX. He enjoyed the time he spent with his fellow brothers.

He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Elva Barnes, and his late wife Shirley Barnes.

Richard leaves to cherish his memory, his loving partner, Kathy Newman of Weimar, TX; son Brain Barnes and wife Brooke of Alvin, TX; daughter Ginger Newsome and husband Tommy of Old Ocean, TX; sisters Wanda Jones of Waxahachie, TX, and Joyce DeSalme and husband Dick of New Braunfels, TX; step daughter Lauren Gartshore and husband Rick of Fort Worth, TX; step sons Barry Bond of Chicago, IL., Kevin Knebel and wife Denise of Maryland, David Knebel of Houston, TX; step daughter Jennifer Sardelich of West Columbia, TX along with grandchildren Colby, Camie, and Cally Newsome. Step grandchildern Joshua and Carden, Bond, Jacob and Jordan Anzovino, Sydney Matthys, Jaden, Jaxen and Jaren Sardelich, Ivey and Ian Knebel, along with several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Serving as pallbearers are Don Bogy, Scoot Leopold, Nelson Leopold, Mickey McCann, Mike Martin and John Holleman. These gentlemen are all members of the St. John’s Masonic Lodge no. 5 in West Columbia, TX.

Family received friends on Wednesday Dec. 13, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home, 1515 Montezuma St., Columbus, TX 78934. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 10:30 a.m. at Damon Cemetery, in Damon, TX, located, in Brazoria County, Texas.

Final arrangements entrusted to Henneke Funeral Home, LTD in Columbus, TX at 979-732-2143.

Memorials may be given to Alzheimer’s Association, 6055 South Loop East, Houston, TX 77087-1005.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.