Obituary

John Huey Barnes, Sr.
September 01, 1939 - February 25, 2017

God’s Angel of Mercy came down and gathered the fun-loving, caring spirit of John Huey Barnes, Sr., releasing him from all pain. The Lord welcomed him home to rest and rejoice!
John Huey Barnes, Sr was born in Franklinton, Louisiana to the late Marvin and Julia Barnes. He was baptized at an early age and continued his religious journey throughout his life. John was the eighth of nine children. He loved his family dearly and was usually one of the first ones called upon when anyone was sick or needed help. After attending Washington Parish High School, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force stationed in California. He resided in Los Angeles, Ca for a few years while working for Ford Motor Company. He eventually returned to Franklinton, where he met his former wife of 23 years, a lovely school teacher named Cornelia. Realizing that he wanted to complete his education, John enrolled at Southern A&M University and began his studies soon after the wedding. From this union two children were born; Macqueline (Mackie) and John Jr (John-John). During his time at S.U. John joined the Prince Hall Free & Accepted Masons and went on to obtain his B.A. degree in Business Administration.
The family of four soon moved from Franklinton to Baton Rouge, La. in 1976. John was very active in politics and was appointed a position as the Executive Director of Capital Economic Development District. In this role, he worked to improve socio-economic blight in underserved areas. He was directly responsible for increasing the availability of schools, parks and recreation centers in areas that he served. He also served as a lobbyist.
John pursued fun and the good times with the same vigor and intensity that he brought to his work, he really knew how to have a good time and bring laughter to anyone. To John, there was no such thing as a stranger. The cup was always half-full and his ability to see all sides of a situation was the key to his charm. Throughout his illnesses John would reference the story is Job, his favorite scripture. Some wondered how he was able to apply the similar level of patience to his own illnesses and continue to be optimistic and faithful. Never did he let the harshness of his sickness assault his character, nor was he bitter, envious or mean spirited. By sharing a positive outlook, a loving spirit and an ability to laugh, John was a living testimony to the strength of God and the human spirit.
Although we are all together today in celebration of John’s life, this is not our final goodbye. John has so many friends and family that will always carry a part of him in their hearts, minds and souls. If you pay close attention, you will hear him laugh, see his million-dollar smile and hear all of those words of wisdom that he so loved to counsel people with. We will continue to share our memories of his life, old times and new, with his family and friends.
Rejoicing in his memories, but mourning his passing are: His daughter Macqueline “Mackie” Barnes Cathey (Walter) and grandchildren Blakeley and Chase Cathey of Los Angeles, Ca; son John H. Barnes, Jr (Natalie) and grandchildren Tosh and Mila Barnes of New Orleans, La. His sisters Mona Barnes Anderson (Edwin), Los Angeles, Ca and Marvene A. Branham, Seattle, Wa and brother Bobbie Barnes, Seattle Wa. Sisters-in-law Louise Barnes and Mae Barnes. The follow nieces and nephews, Kirsten Barnes, Kelly Barnes, Courtney Barnes, Mark L. Barnes, Patrice Barnes, Coleatha Fowler, Phil Branham, Neil Branham, Anthony Branham, Christopher Branham, April Branham, Martha Faty, Tami Barnes, Angela Barnes, Carol Cornist and a host of aunts, uncles, great-neices and nephews, extended family and friends. John was preceeded in death by his parents, Marvin and Julia Barnes and his siblings, Billy Barnes, Dorothy Cornist, and Mary Gail Gethers, Jim Barnes and Phil K. Barnes.
Visitation Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 9:00AM – 1:30PM followed by funeral at 1:30PM at Sweet Home Church of Christ Holiness; Elder Washington Drake – Officiating. Interment – Sweet Home Cemetery. Crain and Sons Funeral Home – Franklinton are in charge of arrangements.