Obituary

Thomas Edward Barnes

July 20, 1952 - September 19, 2021

Colonel Barnes was a resident of Bogalusa, LA.  He was a graduate of Bogalusa High School, Southeastern Louisiana University (BA Criminal Justice), Troy University (Masters Human Resources), Program Management (PMI), several U.S. Military courses as well as being a graduate of the School of Americas in Ft. Benning, Georgia.

Colonel Barnes was an ordinary man, yet an extraordinary human being who spent his life in the service of his country, retiring after 50 years.  Colonel Barnes spent 25 years on active-duty military in the U.S. Army serving as an Infantry Officer.  He was involved in the war on drugs in South America and was picked to join the first Joint Task Force in San Francisco, CA.  He served 3 tours in Germany and later would become a Special Operations Officer.  It was these skills which would serve him later in his civilian life.

Colonel Barnes served 25 years working for the Department of Defense and the State Department.  His missions dealt with nation building, humanitarian aid, training of foreign military and police in places like Liberia, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Iraq, and 2 tours in Afghanistan.  Colonel Barnes’ passion was mentoring everyone he came in contact with.  His greatest joy was seeing those he helped succeed.

Colonel Barnes leaves behind his wife of 51 years Linda Gayle (Martin) Barnes; 3 sons Thomas Barnes Jr. of Bogalusa, LA; Chris (Cassie) Barnes of Goldsboro, NC; and Corey (Marcy) Barnes of Dublin, OH.; 5 grandchildren Zachary and Sydney Barnes of Bogalusa, LA; Trevor, Tabitha, and Gavin Barnes of Goldsboro, NC; 1 brother John Barnes of Bogalusa, LA; 1 sister Linda Baer of Pevely, MO;  and also his sister in laws Patricia (Billy) Brumfield of Franklinton, LA; Debbie Askew of State Line, MS; Cathy (Carlos) Clarke of Bogalusa, LA; and Pam Pichon of Bush, LA.  He was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Colonel Barnes was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Dorothy (Feutz) Barnes of ST. Louis, MO; 1 sister Paula Jean Campbell of Moscow, MO; his in laws Lindsay (Frenchie) and Alberta Martin; 2 sisters in laws Janice (Martin) Borden and Karen (Martin) Hebert of Bogalusa, LA.