Richard Yale Barnes

Richard Yale Barnes, age 92 of Manton, died Wednesday, September 28, 2016 with his family close by. Mr. Barnes was born August 28, 1924 in Colfax Township to Lester and Vera (Tidey) Barnes. He graduated from Mesick High School in 1943 followed by service in the Army during World War II, as a veteran was proud to serve his country. Following service in the Army Dick married Verda (Gauld) and was happily married for fifty years until her home going in 1997. As a young couple they started a family together in Manton moving only a brief time away for work in Lansing. They decided to raise their three children back in Northern Michigan which they called home. Dick always enjoyed work and was self-employed as owner of a logging/sawmill operation. He followed his self- employment as a licensed contractor in R. Barnes Construction. Dick's family was proud of the many accomplishments he had in building including the first automated milking parlors in the area, along with several commercial and residential buildings. He and Verda built and managed the Towncrest apartments in Manton where they resided in later years. Dick finished out his career into his late eighties as the building inspector for Cedar Creek Township and the City of Manton. Dick loved his family and enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapping. He was a member of NRA, the National Trappers Association and the Michigan Trappers Association. He was named Trapper of the Year in Michigan and enjoyed going into the schools, had a 4-H Trapping club and displayed his furs and trapping skills at church game dinners. He enjoyed teaching youth about nature and animals and trapped with his grandson Dick and great grandson Jaden. Dick is survived by his daughter Brenda (Donald) Wilson, Grand Son Richard Harley Letts and Amber Paciorek and great- grandson Jaden Ricky Letts; Granddaughter Leane Lynn Letts and great grandchildren, Danica Lynn Jones, Darian Amber Hoyt all of Manton. One surviving brother Lester (Barb) Barnes of Mesick. He was preceded in death by his wife Verda Barnes, a son Gregory Richard Barnes and a daughter Cheryl Darene Barnes, Parents Lester and Vera Barnes, Sister Iva Dean (Jay) Forsberg, Brother Donald (Vivian) Barnes and Brother Robert Barnes Dick was a member of Rollins Christian Fellowship of Manton. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He will be missed by all who loved and knew him. He was helped by many including his favorite cook Beth Edward and caregiver Dawn. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, October 3, 2016 at Rollins Christian Fellowship Church in Manton with Reverend Bart Glupker officiating. Burial will be at Soper Cemetery in Colfax Township, Wexford County. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Wexford County Council on Aging who without their services he would not have been able to remain in his home independently. The family is extremely grateful for them along with the wonderful services and care provided by nursing staff and Dr. Salata of Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Richard Yale Barnes

August 28, 1924 - September 28, 2016