Larry Barnes

Larry M. Barnes, 78, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024. Larry was born August 8, 1946, in North Topeka, Kansas, the son of Virgil N. and Hazel M. Devlin Barnes. He was proud of his North Topeka roots and his childhood spent in the Little Russia neighborhood and Fire Station No. 1. He was active in Boy Scouting and participated enthusiastically in activities. He attended St. Joseph Grade School and graduated from Hayden High School in 1964. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Larry was a Marine Corps Combat Wounded Veteran of the Vietnam War. Corporal Larry Merle Barnes served honorably from March of 1966 through April of 1968. A decorated veteran, Larry proudly wore the Purple Heart, a testament to his bravery in the line of duty. He was employed by the Veterans Administration Hospital and retired in 2012. Larry loved his home and treated it as a castle for everyone to admire. He spent countless hours tending to his home and yard with his loving wife, Jana, and faithful dog, JoJo, by his side. He loved playing golf and he and Jana loved relaxing on the back patio enjoying the flowers and plants together and watching KU and the Chiefs. Larry loved helping everyone in any way he could. He was a generous man who always thought of others before himself. He cherished his role of Papa to all of his grandchildren and loved his wife and family fiercely. Survivors include his devoted wife, Jana; his children, Heather Barnes of Topeka, Larry Barnes (Theresa) of Olathe KS, Amanda Anderson (Justin) of Tecumseh KS; seven grandchildren, Marissa DeHart (Alex Measmer), Cianna Graves, Bennett Barnes, Emerson Barnes, Gabriella Anderson, Nolan Anderson, Hazel Barnes; and one great-granddaughter, Mia Mae Measmer; former wife, Linda H. Barnes; his siblings, Linda M. Barnes and Jackie Carlson (David); several in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of wonderful friends who loved him with all their hearts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Hazel Barnes. The rosary will be prayed at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 29, at St. Joseph Catholic Church followed by visitation until 4 p.m. at the Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at the Church. Burial, with military honors, will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Larry Barnes

August 8, 1946 - December 21, 2024