Edward Leon Barnes

Edward Leon Barnes passed away on June 8, 2014 in Sylvania, Ohio. Leon was born on December 6, 1923 to Edward Mack Barnes and Eva (Smith) Barnes. He had four brothers and sisters, Carl, Hazel, Monnie and Darrell. He attended school at Pecan Grove and New Lima Schools.

Leon married Alma Plunkett and the couple had three children, Jerry, Richard and Linda.

Leon served his country honorably in the United States Army Air Corps. He served in World War II in Europe, 8th Air Force Top Gunner on a B-17 Bomber. Leon worked for 58 years as a Journeyman Pipefitter in various states. He retired from the Pipefitters Union Local #375 in Fairbanks, Alaska.

After retirement, Leon and Alma returned home to Wewoka, Oklahoma. They enjoyed traveling in their motor home all over the country. They often returned from their adventures full of exciting stories and wonderful new friendships made along the way. Leon loved to tinker and repair anything that might be broken or could be made to use better. He was resourceful when it came to repairs. Leon loved watching sporting events on television. He and siblings would enjoy hours of phone conversations before, during and after games to discuss the events and probable outcomes.

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings Carl Barnes, Monnie Reich, and Darrell Barnes; and nephew, Ronald Reich.

Leon is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Alma of Sylvania, Ohio; children, Jerry Barnes and his wife Sylvia of Lexington, Nebraska; Richard Barnes and wife Kathy of Sylvania, Ohio; and Linda (Barnes) Arnold and husband Bob of Davidsonville, Maryland; grandchildren, John Barnes, Eric Barnes, Brittany Wierzbinski, Meagan Leathers, Amanda Porter and Drew Porter; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Hazel Morphis of Wewoka; sister-in-law, Imogine Barnes of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.