Joe H. Barnes II

He was born at home on April 30, 1919 in Jewett, Texas the only child of Jake I. and Winnie E. Barnes. As an adventurous outgoing child, he lived life to the fullest during those times. He was given his first car, a Model T Ford, when he was 11 years old and because he knew the conductor of the local train was able to travel to Houston, Texas at the age of 14 to work in the oil fields alongside men twice his age. After returning home, he graduated from Jewett High school in 1936 as class President.

He attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas where he was a member and rush captain of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Although his education was cut short by WW II, he served the country by managing manufacturing crews at North American Aviation where he met his future wife Johnnie D. Pierson. They were married in Dallas on October 16, 1943. After the war he began a new career with American Hospital Supply Co. and later became an investment broker with Rauscher Pierce Refness, Co. in Dallas.

While in Dallas, he actively pursued his hobby of riding motorcycles and co-owned a Harley Davidson dealership in North Dallas. He loved to ride through the Texas hill country with his wife Johnnie in a side-car.

Joe and Johnnie moved to the Bryan-College Station, Texas area in the early 1980’s and he became an investment broker with A.G. Edward & Sons. Early in 2000 both moved to Twin Falls, Idaho to retire and be near family.

He was passionate about the Masonic Lodge. In 1943 he was raised to the degree of Master Mason in the Metropolitan Lodge in Dallas, Texas. He was an active member of the Dallas Scottish Rite and served many years on their Finance Committee and Auditorium Committee. For his years of service to the Scottish Rite, Joe received the highest 33rd Degree in 1985. In Bryan-College Station he was affiliated with the Sul Ross Lodge and served as Master of the Lodge for the Masonic year 1989-90. For his service to the Lodge he was elected an endowed member in 1990. He shared his humor and good nature with all that he served.

He is survived by his daughter, Dorothy B. Rea (Molly) and her husband, Dr. Ted Rea of Twin Falls, his son, Joe Patrick Barnes and wife Laura of Bryan, Texas. He is also survived by a grandson Austin B. Rea, wife Oksana V. Rea and two great-grandchildren Tristan and Faith Rea. His granddaughter is Natalie A. Rea of Ft. Collins, CO.

A viewing for friends and family will be held Friday morning, November 5, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at White Mortuary . A Celebration of Joe's life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Reflections of History Mausoleum in Sunset Memorial Park. Services are under the direction of White Mortuary "Chapel by the Park". In lieu of flowers please make donations to Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital 2222 Welborn St, Dallas, Texas 75219. To share of memory of Joe or to offer condolences to Joe’s family please visit www.whitemortuary.com

A sincere thanks to all those at Wynwood Care Center of Twin Falls for the kind and compassionate care they gave to our father.

“Something good will happen to you everyday if you just let it.”

Humor, Family, and God