Gordon "Bootsie" Barnes

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Visitation Schedule
Visitation
Roller-Drummond Funeral Home Southwest
10900 Interstate 30
Little Rock, AR  72209
Friday, August 2, 2019
10:00 AM
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Roller-Drummond Funeral Home Southwest
10900 Interstate 30
Little Rock, AR  72209
Friday, August 2, 2019
11 AM
Cemetery
Pinecrest Memorial Park
7401 Hwy 5 N.
Alexander, AR  72002
I served in the Army.
Gordon "Bootsie" BarnesI am a Veteran.

of LITTLE ROCK, AR

December 31, 1925 - July 30, 2019

Gordon ''Bootsie'' Barnes, the last surviving child of George Walter and Lula I Barnes left this earth and joined his family on July 30, 2019. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a devout Christian, friend and mentor to many during his 93 years. Born on the last day of 1925 in Sheridan, Arkansas, he was a 1944 graduate of Sheridan High School. As a BAR man and squad leader in the United States Army, Company A, 8th Infantry, during WWII, he served in the European Campaign and was awarded 3 Bronze Stars. When the war ended, he returned to Arkansas on July 3, 1946 and married his high school sweetheart, Lyndle Irene Beck, on July 13, 1946. They recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.

He enrolled at the University of Arkansas on a GI Bill and at the urging of his older brother was a walk-on player for John Barnhill's Razorbacks. After suffering a knee injury during two- a-days he made the decision to focus on academics and his young family. He remained a loyal Razorback fan and supporter. He graduated with honors and in 1950 received the first Masters degree in entomology ever awarded from the U of A College of Agriculture. He began his working career as a graduate assistant for the U of A Agri Extension Service where he formulated the first granular pesticide that was used to control insects in the Arkansas rice fields. He became the Arkansas State Entomologist and moved his family to Little Rock in 1965 and held that position until his retirement in 1982. During his tenure he worked with county agents, cotton scouts and the U S Department of Agriculture to develop protocols which eventually led to the eradication of the boll weevil. He was given the degree of Doctor of Cotton Cartography in 1991 by the National Cotton Council of América. As an Emeritus Extension Entomologist he was named the U of A Department of Entomology's Distinguished Alumni in 2017.

Following his retirement from the U of A Cooperative Extension Service, he joined KSSN 96 radio station as the Farm Director and became the voice for Arkansas farmers with daily farm reports until he retired in 1996. He was a member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters. He also served as past president of the Arkansas Pest Control Association and the local chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

Having made a profession of faith in early childhood, Gordon was baptized and was a member of Lost Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Sheridan. He was an ordained deacon at Central Baptist Church in Fayetteville and Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock. During his time in Fayetteville, he was instrumental in establishing the Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship at Central Baptist Church. After moving to Little Rock, he continued his service to the Lord by serving as the treasurer for many years for Unity's missionaries to Peru, Japan & Mexico. He lent his voice to the choir and his knowledge of the Lord's word to teaching a Sunday School class until 2018.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Ann, two infant siblings, three brothers, Lee, Chester (Dobie) and Jay, their wives, Helen, Wanda & Catherine, and his sister Loretta Slyby.

He is survived by his wife, daughters Nancy (Terry) Ferchow of Arthur, Illinois, Janis (Gary) Kovalscik of Hensley, grandchildren, Melani Ferchow, Amy (Shane) Cook, Kevin (Robin) Nolder, Abby (Lew) McColgan, Cole (Sommer) Harper, Jonah (Kasia) Harper, Emma (Ryan) Martorella and great grandchildren, Jackson Cook, Madelynn Cook, Noah Nolder, Ryan Nolder, Maximus Martorella, Magnolia Harper, and Silas Martorella, brother-in-law, Herbert Slyby and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11:00am on Friday, August 2, 2019 at Roller-Drummond funeral home, 10900 I-30, Little Rock, AR (501) 455-5800 with Brother Mark Harris officiating. A visitation will begin one hour prior to services. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the MBSF or mission programs at Unity Missionary Baptist Church, 1223 Garland Dr, Little Rock, AR 72204 or the Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, c/o the University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc., Fayetteville, AR 72701.

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14 Condolence(s)
Tommy Riley
El Paso, AR
Liked
Friday, August 2, 2019

Judy and I are both the direct beneficiaries of Gordon's life and service to the people of Arkansas. Judy's Mom worked directly for Gordon in his role as an Entomologist when he was stationed in Fayetteville. Her name was Billie Hersey and she loved Gordon. Gordon was one of the choir members who sang at Judy's brother Ray's funeral (died at 15 years). Gordon was my 4-H Entomology mentor and coached many of us to identify and classify insects. I wore out a number of nets because of him. He was also a major contributor to my (A) in College Entomology. Today's world does not produce better people than Gordon.

Tom and Judy Riley

Natalyn Woolfolk
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 1, 2019

Kevin,

I am deeply sorry about your loss. I will keep you in my prayers.

Psalm 23:1-6

With love,

Natalyn Woolfolk

Ken Nolder
Denver, CO
Liked
Thursday, August 1, 2019

Janis, Granny, and family. I am so sorry for the loss of Papa. He was such a good man. Even to this day, I can recall many happy memories. May love and peace be with the Bug Doctor.

Angel McCoy
LIttle Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 1, 2019

Kevin,

I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers to you and your family.

Angel

Joyce White
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 1, 2019

My impression of Mr Barnes was seeing him as a very loving and patient man who simply adored his wife. I watched the two of them daily line up together for breakfast and lunch and him faithfully wait on her before they headed back to their room. He always spoke up for her needs and everyone was mindful, he loved and protected his wife. I looked forward to helping him with minor things like a good neighbor and he soon learned he could count on me. I enjoyed pushing him when he was too tired to make it and I always had jelly for his breakfast. You're in the throne room now Mr Barnes, rest The Lord is with you. On behalf of the McLeod's and myself, blessings and favor to your loved ones still to make your journey

Cara J. Smith
Benton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Janis, I'm so sorry for your loss and my heart aches for you and your family. Words fail at times like this. So I'll quote my dad, I'm here to mourn with you.

Christine Weatherford
Little Rock,, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Dear Janis, I was sad to hear of your dad's passing. I am thinking of you, wishing you comfort and healing, and lifting you and your family up in prayer. With heartfelt care and sympathy, Chris
(Miss you!)

Benny B. Barnes
Paaradise Valley, AZ
Liked
Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Gordon Barnes was a great man. He was a blessing to every life and situation that he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Willie & Sherry Gresham
Hensley, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 31, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time and weeks ahead. We love you!

Cathy Stamps Alley
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Janis and Families,

Thinking of you all today. Love and prayers...

Cathy

Richard D. and Dora L. Cartwright
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Gordon Barnes was a great entomologist and educator and person, a role model for many of us coming up in agriculture during the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s. His radio work was also "don't miss" following retirement from the Cooperative Extension Service. His stories based on real life experience were legendary and they just don't make enough Gordon Barnes's, but we and the world are all better for the one that was. God bless this family.

Rick and Lynette (Warren) Cartwright

Mike Alexander
Little Rock,
Liked
Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Janis:
All my sympathies to you and your family. Will keep you in my prayers. Love ya. Miss ya
Mike

Denise Patterson
Cabot, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Janis, may happy memories bring you peace at this time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Denise Patterson

Russell P. Baker
Mabelvale, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 31, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bro. Barnes. He and his family were mentors to my and my family while I was in the MBSF at Fayetteville during the 1960s. Heaven id indeed richer now with him at home there. God bless all of his family and his many friends.