Larry Barnes

Born in Davis, West Virginia, to Loristine Arretta Barnes (Durr), Larry embarked on his professional life as an underground coal miner before transitioning to carpentry. He achieved the distinguished status of Master Carpenter and Master Plumber in his 40s. His seemingly boundless ability to envision, plan, construct, and execute household projects, both large and small, was a source of constant amazement and gratitude to his family and friends.

The light and joy of Larry’s life were his two grandsons, William and Andrew. He cherished the time spent baking his mother’s Molasses Cookies with them, patiently guiding them from the moment they could hold a rolling pin. In his retirement, Larry generously shared his time and talents, helping his family with home improvements and building beautiful gardens for their enjoyment.

Larry’s woodworking skills were exceptional, a talent he often downplayed. Since his passing, conversations have frequently turned to the beautiful and cherished pieces he crafted and gifted to loved ones over the years. These creations serve as lasting reminders of his skill and generosity.

Larry possessed a quiet thirst for knowledge. He recently remarked on how much he would have appreciated the internet’s vast resources for learning while growing up. His remarkable ability to recall algebra and calculus equations decades after high school made him a valuable resource for family members struggling with their studies. Yet, despite his intellect, he remained humble. When complimented, he would often say, “I was never half as good as some of my brothers and sisters. They could calculate equations in their heads faster than I could with a calculator.”

Larry will be deeply missed by his wife of 51 years, Katherine (Lively); his children, Jason Barnes and Kelley (Barnes) Berry; his son-in-law, Rance Berry II; and his adored grandsons, William and Andrew Berry.

He is also survived by siblings, Delores Sisler, Connie Whitehair and H. Jeffrey Barnes (Barbara); as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his siblings, Donna Kisner, Joan Matthews, Patricia Barnes, Sharon Oxley, Bradley Barnes, Charles “Sonny” Barnes, Robert “Bob” Barnes, Jerry Barnes and two infant brothers, James and Robert Barnes.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at https://donate.loveto therescue.org or any charity focused on providing food to those in need.

Larry was a longtime supporter of the Shriners and firmly believed that no one should ever go hungry.