Obituary for Willard Barnes

Willard E. Barnes

September 15, 1935 – February 2, 2021

Willard Barnes of Ponca City, Oklahoma, died Tuesday evening, February 2, 2021, in the Mt. Hope Nursing Home in Mt. Hope, Kansas, at the age of 85 years.

Willard was born on September 15, 1935 in Porum, Oklahoma the son of Sherman Barnes and Ester (Scott) Barnes. He moved to Blackwell, Oklahoma at the age of 15 and graduated from Blackwell High School. He went on to attend Panhandle State for one year and then was drafted into the United States Army. In 1960 he was discharged from active duty. Following his discharge, he worked for the Blackwell Fire Department. Following his retirement, he worked for Conoco in the Fire and Safety Department.

He married Betty Lou Kopisch in Arlington, Virginia on December 3, 1958. She preceded him in death on June 20, 1989.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Joe Barnes.

Survivors include a son, Ron Barnes and wife Laura of Wichita, Kansas; a daughter, Julie Barnes of Kansas City, Missouri; a sister, Carthene Logan and husband Evyind; as well as two grandchildren, Jennifer Barnes and Austin Barnes.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Blackwell Cemetery. Burial will follow in Blackwell Cemetery. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society sent in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.