1933 – 2016

KINGFIELD — The Rev. Dr. Robert Barnes, 83, of Kingfield, died Saturday evening, Nov. 12, at home with his wife, Nancy, and dear friends at his side.

He was born at home May 7, 1933, to Albert J. and Irene (Reiner) Barnes in Philadelphia, Pa. He graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1951. He graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1957, where he continued his studies for a year as a seminary student, transferring to United Theology Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Divinity degree and earned his Master of Divinity in 1975.

In 1971, he completed his required short-term study at Yale University and earned his Doctorate of Ministry in 1976 from Drew University in Madison, N.J. In 1955, he was licensed by the Atlantic Conference of Evangelical Church and in 1959 was ordained by Bishop Herman W. Kabnick in Lancaster, Pa.

He served the Emmanual Evangelical United Brethren Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., from 1959-1964; Queens Village EUB/United Methodist Church, Queens, Long Island, N.Y., from ’64-’71; Port Jefferson Station, Christ Church, Long Island, N.Y., ’71-’78; Commack United Methodist Church, Commack, Long Island, N.Y., ’78-’98. While serving Emmanual EUB Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., Robert was a port rep for processing missionaries through the entry for the Board of Mission. He also served as chaplain of Bethany Deaconess Hospital until the hospital closed.

While serving Commack United Methodist Church, he organized a peaceful demonstration after the destruction of the athletic field the night before high school graduation. He was always considered a “peacemaker” and received several awards from the New York State Senate and adjoining towns, declaring a “Robert Barnes Day.”

Retiring in 1998, Robert and his beloved wife, Nancy (Heisler) Barnes, (whom he met and married when he served as assistant pastor at her home church, Juniata Park EUB in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1958,) moved to their home in Kingfield. He served on the Budget Committee and as chairman of the Kingfield Water District. The loss of his eyesight forced him to retire from both committees.

He enjoyed working for causes that he felt strongly about, was an avid reader, public servant and enjoyed collecting stamps.

He is loved by his surviving wife and soul mate, Nancy Barnes of Kingfield.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a sister, Dolores Greth.

Tributes and condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.