John Henry Barnes

John Henry Barnes was born January 12, 1943 in Ramer, Alabama to the late John C. Barnes and Thelma Jean Thomas. He eventually migrated to Ohio as a youngster, with his Grandmother, Deanna “Chissy” Mack, while is Father served in the War and his Mother worked. During his lifetime, John would travel back to Ramer often to spend time with his Grandparents, Thomas “Papa Tom” Cargill and Lugusta Levi Huffman. He always spoke of how he loved his experiences on their farm with the whole family.

John Henry attended Middletown City Schools and was very involved in athletics for several years. He was a member of Middletown’s Track and Field Team (where he set a Middletown High School Record in Discuss Throw), Weightlifting Team, Intramural Basketball and Football. Shortly after graduating High School, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. where he was initially deployed to Okinawa, Japan. One of the proudest accomplishments of his life was his time served in the U.S. Marine Corp.: 4 years, 3 months, 18 hours, 35 minutes & 4 seconds.

His Honorable Discharge afforded him the privilege to proudly chant “SEMPER FI” to all his brothers that served as well. After serving, John was initiated as a Lifetime Member of Post #6405 of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).

John was very active in the Middletown Civil Rights Movement, championing the causes of Discrimination in Hiring, Policing, and Maltreatment of Minorities in general. He was also one of the Chief Organizers of the famous “Hunkeytown Reunion”.

Having remained physically active during his lifetime, John was a Boxer and participated in various Amateur Boxing matches in Hamilton, Ohio. He was also very proud of his time as an active member of the Butler County Steelers Semi-Pro Football Team. What John was well known for was his love for Fishing. He taught several young men in the community the art of angling and recreational fishing. On any given day you could find him at his favorite fishing spot at Smith Park in Middletown, Ohio.

John devoted a huge part of his life to his career beginning at Frigidaire and then on to General Motors (GM) North American Truck Platforms, having retired after 32 years of service on December 1, 2001. In his retirement years, John reconnected with the God he was raised to Love, and joined New Era Baptist Church. On September 30, 2012, John Henry Barnes was ordained as Deacon and spread the love of God in ACTION and WORD, having influenced his children and community to do the same. One of his favorites was his Men’s Bible Study.

John Henry Barnes is preceded in death by his Grandparents, Parents, brother Dwight Barnes, and Loving Grandson Dwight Wilkinson Jr. John leaves to cherish his memory the LOVE OF HIS LIFE, Sharon Diane Barnes (Devoted Wife), brother Eric “Chuck” Barnes (Debbie), children Denise Ray Boyd, Dwight Wilkinson, Shani Smith-Pierre, Jon Philip Barnes Sr., Lewis Payne, Jennifer N. Pugh, Deanna Barnes, Brian Wellington, and Duane Wellington. Grandchildren Amberly, Tyler, Courtney, Anthony, Aidan, A’mauria, A’saiah, Aeson, Hannah, Jon Jr., Gabriella, Jeremiah, Chandler, Da’mon, and Jaterius. Great Grandchildren Xander, Bentley, Jaelyn, Judah, Kairo, Jazaiah and a host of nieces, cousins relatives and friends.

John was a huge presence in the Middletown Community for so many years. His absence is a void that will not soon be filled. TO GOD BE THE GLORY for the well-lived life of Deacon John Henry Barnes.

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