February 28, 1945 - January 18, 2018
John M. Barnes, 72, of Little Rock passed away Thursday, January 18, at Baptist Health Medical Center. He was born February 28, 1945 in Ola, Arkansas to the late Claude J. Barnes and Delora Summitt Barnes. He graduated from McGehee High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
A dedicated insurance professional, he established the John M. Barnes Farmers Insurance Agency in 1975 serving his many clients for over 32 years. John loved life, his family and sharing good times with a wide variety of friends. Weekends with friends' boats gathered at a special Lake Hamilton cove, afternoons at Oaklawn or fishing and camping on Lake Ouachita were some of his favorite times. Early mornings with his McDonald's coffee group, followed by daily workouts at the gym brought him and even more friends together. He was an avid reader, country and bluegrass guitar player and proud Corvette driver. He loved traveling, especially on international cruises, with Linda, his wife of 45 years, his soulmate and best friend.
He is survived by Linda Harris Barnes, his wife, of Little Rock; sister, Nancy Barnes Lovin (Deon), and nephews, Levi Lovin (Nikki) of Heber Springs and Mike Harris (Lisa) of Tyler, Texas.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock (501)224-8300. A celebration of John's life will be on 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 25 at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock where he was a member for 25 years. A reception will follow the service at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance at 1400 West Markham, Suite #304, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201.
I am so sorry for your loss. John was one of the good guys. Very supportive when I was Farmers agent many years ago.
Praying for you and your family. Sorry for your
loss, John was a special Customer at McDonald’s
and will be miss. He was always friendly, happy, and
Enjoyed his coffee with friends at McDonald’s daily.
Sincerely
Evelyn Franklin
Linda-My sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved husband.
Linda I send my deepest condolences to you and family. John was a special part of my memories at Lakeland Lodge. He is already missed around here...by so many! My fondest memory is sitting on my back deck early mornings listening to John and his music while getting the boat ready to take you out to the cove...AND there are many others. Prayers for peace and comfort. Jo Lynne
Linda: It is very hard for me to realize that I won't see John Barnes at Lakeland Lodge again! You and John were always those from whom I expected to get a hug and a "how are you doing?" You and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this hard time! I'm sorry I won't be able to attend his service but just know my heart is with you. My sympathy to you, Carolyn Fletcher
Linda, so sorry for John's death. We were unable to attend church to weekend after so we did not know until today. Will see you at the funeral and we will miss John.
John & Nancy Anthony
Linda, I am truly sorry about your loss. I'm so glad you have such beautiful memories with John.
Linda:
I was sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. While I never met him, anyone who had the intelligence to be married to a wonderful person like you must have been a great person. Please know that you are in our prayers.
We will be making a donation in his name to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.
Terry and Nathan Bearden
Little Rock
Linda,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear Husband John. Please know that I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
"Grief never ends - but it changes.
It is a passage, Not a place to stay.
The sense of loss Must give way
If we are to value the Life that was lived."
Linda,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Allen & Marliese Kerr
Linda, so very sorry for your loss. John was such a kind and entertaining man. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Lois and Sam Dundee
Linda:
Thinking of you and praying for you.
Linda, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time in your life. I know that God will give you grace, comfort and strength to sustain you. My heart grieves with you. May God bless you with His presence.
Linda:
I am SO sorry to hear about John. I saw Tommy Holland over the weekend and he told me about his passing.
I want to extend my condolences and love to you and your family. I know its been a while since we have talked/visited, but I have kept up with you through Tommy.
Prayers for you and your family!
Tim Taylor
Walnut Ridge, AR
Dear Linda,
I'm so sorry about to hear about the passing of your beloved John. I know how much Bill, Sharon, Lisa, Dana, Stacy and their families loved him, as well.
You are all in my prayers! May the peace of God be with each of you!
Callie Emmons
Thinking of the many years we have known John and Linda as our Lake Neighbors. I never saw John that he didn’t say How’s your momma or how are the kids. He truly cared for our family. I loved to hear him reminisce about when Traci And Austin were growing up at the lake. He remembered things that I had forgotten. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Linda.
Wonderful person! We go back 30+- years when we work out ( He mostly talked) at the French Riviera/Cosmopolitan Spa at University and "H" Street , he would always wear red shorts that he pulled up to his belly button and his socks to his knees! It was a fashion statement back in the day. He will be missed.
Juddy Tolson
Linda,sorry for your loss going to high school and college with Hunkus has left me with many good memories. Glad y'all found each other and could spend so many years together. Will miss him at the races and lake. Doris and I have you in our prayers
You have been in my thoughts and prayers since John first went into the hospital. I am so sad for your loss, but also know that John has brightened up the Heavens. See you soon. Love, Pat Wiggins
I am so happy that we were able to be together and visit last month. It is hard to lose a childhood friend and we have been friends for at least 60 years. I have many memories from our school days. You will be terribly missed. I consider myself so lucky to be able to call you "my friend". Gonna miss you..........
I will our visits at Lakeland.
John, going to miss our chats. The McDonalds gang will not be the same. Rest in peace my friend.
Marty.....
Our unforgettable incredible adventure, full of good memories, full of funny, crazy, unbelievable stories, warm summer fun, music (which Levon Helm says makes all things better), we will not say goodbye our forever friend, only that we will meet again. We are blessed to have crossed your path. We move you and Linda. You are in our hearts, minds, and lives forever