Richard Lee Barnes

Our Lord became lonely and called home one of his flock. On May 15, 2020 he beckoned Richard L “Dick” Barnes to join him in heaven. He was born May 5th, 1931 to Darrel and Florence (Kellogg) Barnes in Jackson, MI. He grew up in the Ithaca area and graduated from Michigan State with a Master’s Degree in Ag Education. Dick became an integral part of the Merrill community, teaching agriculture for more than 36 years. Innumerable students benefited from his FFA advisership. He was a mentor to many. He was an avid wildlife enthusiast, fisherman, hunter and photographer. He loved to watch and play baseball and fast-pitch softball, pitching semi-pro in his younger years. He loved his family and his wife of 66 years, most of all. He is survived by his adoring wife Bamberlee, son Steven (Sandy), and daughter KimberLee (Tom) Barnes. He will be greatly missed by grandchildren Richard Barnes, Elizabeth (Ryan) Didur, Jennifer (Dan) Dewey and Alexander Lampe. Also he is survived by sister Patricia (Ron) Wilshire, Larry (Kathy) Barnes and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.