of Little Rock, AR
March 29, 1948 - July 12, 2025
John E. Barnes passed away on July 12, 2025 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Born on March 29, 1948 in Cairo, Illinois, John was the son of the late John E. Barnes Sr. and the late Lorraine Merriman Barnes. In 1966 he graduated from Jackson High School in Jackson, Tennessee and then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History from Union University in 1970. He was proud to be the first in his family to graduate from college.
John began his career in journalism in 1966 as a part-time sportswriter for The Jackson Sun while still in college. In 1968, he joined The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tennessee, covering U.S. District Court proceedings, state courts and major news across seven West Tennessee counties. From 1971 to 1974, he worked for newspapers in Humboldt, Tennessee and Russellville, Kentucky.
In 1974, John became the owner and publisher of the Arkansas Sun in Heber Springs, Arkansas, where he remained until 1980. During his time in Heber Springs, he served as president of the Heber Springs Chamber of Commerce. He was also a founding member of the Cleburne County Arts Commission and was appointed to the Heber Springs Airport Commission.
In 1982, John transitioned into the financial services industry, beginning with Merrill Lynch. He spent five years there before joining Smith Barney and its predecessor firms for 21 years. In 2009, he joined Raymond James, where he served as the Senior Partner of the Barnes East Group. His team managed assets for nearly 100 client families and several institutions. John held several professional licenses, including General Securities Representative, Registered Investment Advisor, Uniform State Securities License and Arkansas Life, Health and Variable Annuity Insurance licenses.
John's expertise in financial matters led to regular television appearances in Little Rock during the 1980s and 1990s, as well as contributions to numerous central Arkansas publications.
In 1991, then-Governor Bill Clinton appointed him to the board of trustees of Pulaski Technical College, where he served until 2012. He was the board's founding chair, a role he held for 12 years and was reappointed by Governor Mike Huckabee to two subsequent seven-year terms. Prior to this, he spent 11 years on the Arkansas Arts Council. Altogether, John served 32 years in gubernatorial appointments.
John was a longtime member of St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock, where he served on various administrative boards for a total of 18 years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Cranford Barnes, formerly of Heber Springs; two daughters: Christy Robinson (Aaron) of Jacksonville and Megan Keener (Josh) of Harrison; four beloved grandchildren, Mia and Alex Robinson and Parker and Wyatt Keener and his sister, Lisa Olmstead (Dwight) and family of Heber Springs.
Outside of his professional life and time with family, John had a passion for researching genealogy and spent many hours writing a book. He found great joy in playing with his beloved dogs - Gracie, as well as the late Sissy and Khaki. A lifelong fan of Jimmy Buffett and the Beach Boys, John often filled his days with their music. He was also an avid reader and a dedicated collector of model trains and rocks. His favorite memories were made on family vacations to the beaches of Florida.
John will be remembered for his lifelong commitment to public service, his journalistic integrity, his financial expertise and his devotion to his family, church and community.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2025 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home with a reception to follow. Interment will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 19th at City of Heber Springs Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. James United Methodist Church or Pulaski Technical College
The service will be live-streamed on this page.
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37 Condolence(s)
Sue Fess
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Debbie Mike and I will always have sweet memories of our time as neighbors. We both are very sorry for your loss of John, your partner and friend for life.
Sue Fess
Brian Keeter
Friday, July 18, 2025
This is such sad news. I have known John since I was growing up in Heber Springs. He was one of the nicest, kindest people who was a friend to everyone. He was a good friend of my parents and someone to whom I've always admired.
Debbie and family, I am so sorry for this loss. I am praying for all of you.
Bob & Brenda Bailey
Friday, July 18, 2025
Sending our love and condolences to the family .
Carol Langston
Friday, July 18, 2025
We are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was an amazing leader and a tireless advocate for Arkansas students.
John meant a great deal to the students, faculty, and staff of Pulaski Tech. As a founding trustee and our first board chair, he played a vital role in building the college from the ground up. Over 21 years of service, he remained dedicated to student success (our motto at the college). Under his leadership, the college grew from 972 students in 1991 to almost 12,000 students in 2012. What a legacy!
Our thoughts are with you. We are grateful for his life and service, and we join you in mourning his loss.
Charlie & Viva Dains
Friday, July 18, 2025
As with probably most of his clients, John was considered a friend as well as a financial advisor.
Diane Sedberry
Friday, July 18, 2025
John,
You may be gone from our sight but never from our hearts. Thank you for being a great friend and I know God has received a gentle soul.
Ben Wyatt
Friday, July 18, 2025
John was a great man! My prayers are with Debbie and Family.
I spent a lot of time with John in the decade of the 90s. He was founding Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Pulaski Technical College, I served as President. It was a crucial time for a small Technical College that was transitioning to a Two Year Community College. Much of the success of the College goes to John. I will always be grateful.
Dan Herrington
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Praying God's peace on your family as you mourn John's loss. His was a life well lived. He was my trusted financial advisor from the moment I had any money to invest almost 30 years ago, thanks to a referral from one of my former law partners. I am pleased to donate to Pulaski Tech in his memory. God Bless.
Gene Fortson
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
I first knew John when I was involved with the ownership group at Channel 4 and he made
Frequentappearances on the evening news with comments on the business and economic scene. Afterwards I was privileged to serve with him on the founding Boatd of Trustees at Pulaski Tech. Finally there were many years of service together on various leadership groups in St James UMC. John was a dedicated leader and a committed Christian servant. He will be missed. Prayers and sympathy to Debbie and his family
Gene Fortson
Jerrie and Erin Parker
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
We are so sorry for the loss of John. He was a wonderful friend and advisor to our family many years. He will be extremely missed. Praying for you all.
Mary Sue Whitelaw
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
John was a true gentleman who loved his family, nurtured his many friendships, and cherished his relationship with God and his church family. His smile was genuine and his hugs were warm. I am blessed to have known him. Rest in peace, my friend.
Ann Fellinger
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
So sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was a kind and intelligent man, and I feel lucky to have known him. He will be missed.
Dianne Fields
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
So sorry to read about the loss of JOHN. He was my next-door neighbor when we were all growing up together. Such a great guy prayers for the family.
Rest in Peace Friend
Debby Fiser
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
I have been blessed by the opportunity to know John and have been inspired by his example. His work through Pulaski Tech was a lifeline for many to get the education that would permit them to live a stable and fulfilling life. His empathy for those who had fallen on hard times went beyond mere words. He actively sought to help through every means at his disposal. He was a faithful friend to many. May he rest in the loving arms of Jesus. Prayers for Debbie and his family.
Patricia Lesh Barbarita
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
John and I worked together on The Monthly Tatler at Jackson High School. I am so saddened by his passing.
Dianne Fields
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
John was my next door neighbor when he lived in in Jackson, Tn.
We were close friends with the entire family. His mother Susie was one of my mother’s very best friends….Georgia and Leon Fields.
John was a great guy. We loved this family, Lisa, John Susie, and big JJohn.
Prayers for the family.
Dianne Fields
Cherry Sullivan
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
I am heart-sick to hear of John's passing. We were friends in grade school at Stokes Elementary in Nashville, TN. He always made me laugh. Facebook was a way to find each other again, and I was so grateful. He was always so kind and cheerful. Debbie, my prayers are with you and your family at this time. I loved his posts of your dogs, since I am a rescuer and dog sitter. Please hug that baby for me.
Renee Jeffery Smith
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
I’m so very sorry for your loss! John was a phenomenal man and I had the pleasure of working with him at Pulaski Tech for many years. Prayers and positive thoughts to family and friends. He will be missed!
Jana Breedlove Lane
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Christy and Lisa I’m sending prayers of comfort to you. Wish I could be there to hug you both
Carolyn Long
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
I had the privilege of interviewing John many times at KARK-TV.
Smart, insightful and caring…one of the really good ones who was intentional about loving God and loving people.
He will be missed by many. 🙏🏼
Susan Hunter
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
John was a very special and kind man, you will be missed. Sending love and prayers to your family. Rest in peace!
Jana Breedlove Lane
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Christy and Lisa I’m sending prayers of comfort to you. Wish I could be there to hug you both
Andrea Russenberger
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Sending my heartfelt sympathy and condolences. I was privileged to meet John through my father. He was a good friend to both of us and gave sound financial advice. After my father passed, John was here for me. He told my father he would do so and he kept his word. He was a wonderful, brilliant person. We talked about history, guns and our love for our fur babies. I am praying for his family and friends.
Anthony James
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
John has been a guidance for Lydia and I for over 40 years.. Prayers for his family and beloved "puppies".
Leslie Heizman
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
JB— thank you for your friendship. You were beloved by Patty and Eric and me. You walked with us through some tough stuff.
I am glad I got to say goodbye— and got to meet Christie and Megan. Debbie, we are so sorry for your loss- Megan and Christie, it was so easy to see how much he loved you all-
Thank you for sharing him with us all these years. Peace. Leslie and Eric Heizman
Cathy Clowers Rowland
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Lisa, Christy and family,
I am so sad to hear this news. John was an amazing man. He was kind to all and I don’t think he ever met a stranger. He was loved by all May God be with all of you at this time. Prayers to all of your family.
Cathy Clowers Rowland
Lane Keeter
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
I have known John for about 55 years. He was not just my financial advisor, but a mentor and father figure to me from the time I first met him. His friendship with my dad and later with me was if immeasurable value. Oh the life discussions we would have!
Debbie and family, I am heartbroken at this news. Even more so because I am out of state unable to return in time for services. I so want to be there. Please know I am lifting you all in prayer. I so cherish the memories!
Cathy Tilley Schwartz
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
We lost a good one. John and I were great friends. Rest in peace! Thinking of you Debbie.
Mark Woods
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Sorry for your loss
Dan Harpool
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
So sorry to hear of John's passing. I had the privilege of serving on several church committees with John. He was a good Christian man and servant.
Dottie Kingston
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Just learned yesterday about John and the loss of our earthly friendship. I have been his client since 1994. He has been such a caring friend all these years and assisted me in countless meaningful ways. His enhancement to my life has been huge! My great comfort is in knowing without question that his soul is with his Lord for all of eternity. What a blessing to my life! I never got to meet him in person but will join him at some point! My love and condolences to Debbie and to his two daughters.
Andra Dillard
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Thank you for your friendship, leadership and integrity. Prayers for your family and friends. You are missed, but your influence continues. ❤️
Melissa Scott
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Very sorry to hear. John was a good friend to me and my family, and will be greatly missed.
Thomas Alderson
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Wish I had spent more time with you in Highschool and knew you better. I am sure you were friends with many and will be missed by all. Hope to see you again later. Tom
Mitchel & Alice Kennedy
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
We are sorry to hear of John passing. Prayers for peace and comfort. May the good memories help ease the pain of the loss
San Anderson
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
John I will never forget the impact you had on my life. I would have never gotten my college degree if it had not been for you. I will never forget you standing there handing me my diploma during graduation. John will be missed; Debbie I will continue to pray for you as well. I remember ya'll song at a Christmas party years ago Babyface Whip Appeal. Love San
Woody Williams
Monday, July 14, 2025
Rest in Peace John. Thank you for your friendship and guidance.