Dexter Barnes

Waynesville, Dexter J. Barnes, 90, departed this life for his heavenly home on Sunday, the Lord's Day of rest, February 19, 2017 at Maggie Valley Nursing Home & Rehabilitation. A native of Swain County he was the son of the late Cicero and Lura Lequire Barnes. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by seven brothers, Kermit, Homer, Willard, Dillard, Gilmer, Baxter and Max Barnes; and a sister, Thelma Barnes, who died as a child before he was born; a niece; and one step great-grandson, Dillan. He and his brothers were close and cared deeply for each other. Their wives were loved by each as a sister. Dexter was a WWII Army Veteran serving the Philippines and Korea. He retired from Dayco Corporation with 35 years of service. After retiring, he enjoyed repairing lawn mowers. He was instrumental in the building of two Freewill Baptist Churches in Haywood County. He worked alongside his dear friend and brother in Christ, the late James Lanning, to build Holly Grove Freewill Baptist Church, named by the late Lawrence Kilby. Several years later, he was blessed to work with Lanning again to build the current church for Hyatt Creek Freewill Baptist Church. He served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at both churches. Dexter is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 70 years, Louise Houston Barnes; five children, Clifton Barnes (Patricia), Barbara Parks (Ken), Hoyt Barnes (Brenda), all of Waynesville, Annette Barnes, of Canton, and Jeanette Barnes, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; four grandchildren, David Barnes (Bonita), Andy Barnes (Shannon), Chris Barnes (Karen) and Shay Starnes (Jacob); two great-grandchildren, Melissa and Morgan Barnes; two sisters-in-law, Reba and Hazel Barnes; and thirteen nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2017 in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Larry Coates, Reverend Johnny Norris and Reverend Johnny Swanger officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Haywood County Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 931, Waynesville, NC 28786. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Maggie Valley Nursing Home & Rehabilitation who loved him also, and to his fellow residents and their families who prayed for him.

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