of Conway, AR

October 8, 1930 - May 20, 2023

Richard Lee "Jack" Barnes was born October 8, 1930 to Charlie and Lois Barnes in Texarkana, Texas. He attended schools in Texarkana and Lufkin, Texas and graduated from Lewisville High School, Lewisville, Arkansas. He was awarded a football scholarship at Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas. After the first semester of his sophomore year, he asked the draft board in Lewisville to move his name up on the draft list so he could serve his two required years of military service. After several programs in the service, he was placed in Special Services and played football in Germany for the remainder of his military time. He was discharged at the end of 1953 at which time he returned to Southern State to finish his four years of education. He received a degree in Physical Education.

After graduation, he took a coaching job at Barton Jr. High School in El Dorado, Arkansas. After a year at Barton he was offered an assistant coaching job at Brinkley High School, Brinkley, Arkansas. He was there 8 years, two years as assistant coach and 6 years as head coach of football and track. He was fortunate to have several record setting athletes. After eight years, he decided to take a job with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services for the Blind as a Supervisor. This job took him to El Dorado and Magnolia. He continued in that position until his retirement. After his retirement, he and his youngest son, Kyle, started a snack vending business, K&M Vending, in Magnolia, Arkansas.

In August of 1954, he married Mary Ida Frizzell of Camden, Arkansas. Their marriage was blessed with 3 children, Richard Lee Barnes, Jr., Karen Kay Barnes Williams and Robert Kyle Barnes. He had 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His love of the Lord was evident in his service as congregational song leader for many years before he developed dementia. He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ.

There will be a private family graveside service in Camden, Arkansas at the family burial site. In lieu of flowers, please leave a memory that you have of Jack that you would like to share with the family on the memory page at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com