Lawrence Barnes

Lawrence A. "Barney" Barnes, age 95, of Junction City, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at Valley View Senior Center in Junction City, Kansas.

He was born in Galva, Kansas, the son of Richard G. Barnes and Amelia (Messinger) Barnes on December 14, 1915.

He entered the U.S. Army on August 22, 1942 and was discharged in January 1946, entered the Army Reserves and served in the Pacific during World War II, then he was recalled to active duty for the Korean conflict. He decided to stay in the Army for a total of 27 years and served one tour in Vietnam. He was both active duty and reserve duty, retiring as a Major. He was a member of the Junction City American Legion Post # 45, VFW Post # 6240, and Army Association and Modern Woodsman.

Lawrence married Mary Riffel in Burbank, California on December 21, 1942.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary, of Junction City, Kansas, one son, Dr. Larry Barnes and wife Nancy of Princeton, Iowa., three step-grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and one brother.

A Graveside Memorial Service with full Military Honors will be conducted on Monday, August 22, 2011, at 10:00 AM. at Kansas Veterans Cemetery, 5181 Wildcat Creek Road, Manhattan, Kansas with Rev. Dr. Joe Balardo, Officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Home Care and Hospice, c/o Geary Community Health Care Foundation, P.O. Box 3015 Junction City, KS 66441.