John "Johnny" Craft Barnes

John Craft “Johnny” Barnes, age 97 of Oglesby, passed away Monday January 8, 2024, at a local hospital after a brief illness.  

Graveside services with Naval military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Post Oak Cemetery in Oglesby, followed by memorial services at the First Baptist Church in Oglesby at 11:00 a.m., with The Rev. Dr. Katie Long officiating. 

Johnny was born on March 1, 1926 in Blackwell, Texas. His father was a Methodist minister, so the family moved frequently during his youth, but he graduated from Oglesby High School in 1943. After graduation, he joined the United States Navy and proudly served in the Pacific Theater during World War II.  Following the war, he attended and graduated from Southern Methodist University, earning a BBA in Accounting.  After graduation, he worked for Texaco for 39 years until his retirement.

In 1949, Johnny married Betty Ruth Bates.  Their union produced a daughter, Deborah Ann Williams and a son, Darrell Wayne Barnes.  Betty preceded Johnny in death in 1988.  Shortly after her death, Johnny returned to his childhood hometown of Oglesby, where he lived throughout the remainder of his life.  Johnny had four grandchildren: Michelle Williams Fielder, John Williams, Wayne Barnes, and Rachel Barnes Sanchez.  He also has five great grandchildren and a niece, Karen Bates.  

Johnny was active in the Oglesby community as a member of the Oglesby United Methodist Church and Lions Club.  He took great pride in his military service and was usually seen wearing his WWII Veterans cap.  He was a uniter of the community and was always willing to help in any way that he could.  He never met a stranger and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Oglesby Lions Club or a Veterans charity of your choice.