Gary Arlen Barnes , 86, of Columbia City, died peacefully at 10:20 p.m. Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Miller's at Oak Pointe, Columbia City.

Born on November 30, 1937, in Pierceton, Indiana, he was the son of the late Richard M. and Naomi D. (Jones) Barnes.  Growing up in Pierceton, he graduated from Pierceton High School.

Joining the U.S. Army on January 20, 1959, he became a teletype operator serving at Fort Gordon, GA.
He was honorably discharged on March 26, 1962.

On August 28, 1964, he married Vonda L. Knox. They made their home in Fort Wayne until 1970, when they moved to rural Columbia City.  Vonda died on November 16, 2023.

A professional truck driver, he drove for Essex Wire, Montgomery Wards, and 25 years with Kroger.  He retired in 1998.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed mushroom hunting in the spring. His search for the delectables was primarily in the area woods but sometimes he ventured to Michigan or other states.  He liked antiquing and collected a variety of items.  A NASCAR fan, he watched the series and cheered for the native Hoosier, Tony Stewart.  He was a regular at breakfast with his fellow service members at the American Legion Post 258 in Pierceton. During the winter months, he liked to travel with his wife to the warmer regions, especially Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Surviving are his children, Jill (Timothy) Hart of Churubusco, Jonathan Jefferies of Columbia City, and Richard Jarrod Barnes of Albion; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sister Gloria E. Rider of Columbia City.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Jefferies.

The funeral service is at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the Lakeview Cemetery in Larwill. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the service Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Gary's honor are to the American Legion Post 258.