Kenneth Carl Barnes

Kenneth Carl Barnes passed away peacefully at his beloved farm on March 8, 2026. He was surrounded by his wife, Judy, his daughters and son-in-laws and niece Sarah as he moved on to new adventures.

Ken was born on August 15, 1939, in Chicago, IL to William and Dorothy Barnes. When Ken was a young boy, the family moved to a farm near Decatur, MI where his love of the outdoors and farming began. His father instilled in him a passion for flying -- Ken would go on to obtain recreational pilot licenses in both single engine planes and helicopters -- and also started him in the mechanical trades. He was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union.

Ken joined the National Guard in high school and, after graduation from Decatur High School in 1957, he attended college where he met his life-long sweetheart, Judith Rector. They were married in 1961. He then joined the Air Force for four years, stationed mainly at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, MI. After leaving the Air Force, he moved to Paw Paw, MI and began working in the HVAC trades. He continued to serve his country by joining the Air National Guard, stationed in Battle Creek, for a total of more than 26 years of honorable service. He was also a member of the American Legion in Decatur.

During this time, Ken and Judy began their family; Robert of Palatine, IL, Susan (David) Crouse of Paw Paw, Charles (Karen) of Galesburg and Kathleen (Craig) Northrup of Midland. He was also blessed with grandkids, Brian (Chelsea) and Abby (Victor) Crouse, David Barnes and Deanna Barnes and great grandchildren Ramsey, Avery, Roman and Poppy. His family grew with step-grandchild Taylor Northrup and her children Kolt and Kova. Education was very important to Ken, and he and Judy helped fund trusts for the future education of all six great grandchildren.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings William (Carol) of Paw Paw, Michael (Vicki) of Spring Lake and Karen (Ralph) of Paw Paw. His sister Nancy (Barry) Davis of Alberta, Canada survives.

Ken's adventures never slowed. After raising their kids, Ken and Judy fulfilled their lifelong dream by purchasing a 100-acre farm and creating a 'heaven on earth' natural escape where many friends and family came to visit. Dad excelled at teaching the young people who came to work on the farm, providing a hands-on education on mechanical engineering, residential construction and problem solving with creative approaches on a complex and diverse farm. There are countless treasured stories from his many mentees and various renters of their adventures on the farm and beautiful fishing lake. In recent years, Ken and Judy have especially appreciated the work and friendship of Liam and Karley Marshall around their property.

There will be a memorial service and dedication for Ken at his farm this summer.