Joseph Blake Barney

Joseph Blake Barney, 21, passed away on Saturday, April 9th 2016. Blake was exceptionally gifted. He had immense intellect and an even bigger heart. He was kind, sensitive, loving, clever, brilliant, compassionate and authentic. He attended St. James Episcopal Day School, Episcopal High School and Baton Rouge Community College. He accomplished the highest level at Second Nature Wilderness Program. He was a protective, nurturing and empowering swim coach to the youngest of swimmers at Magnolia Wood Swim and Racquet Club. He enjoyed many weekends and holidays with family and friends at the family farm, Barnberry Acres, in Mississippi. He is survived by his parents Scott and Jane Barney; his twin sister, Jane Cameron Barney; his grandparents Gordon and Ann Barney, Paul and Mary Jane Hebert, and James and Da'Anne Lipscomb; his aunts/uncles Brent and Ann Barney, Charles and Dana Barney, Paul and Leslie Hebert, Dean Hebert, Gordon and Shae Lipscomb, Tara Hebert, Jaime and Adam Knight, Liz Hebert, Helen Paige and Howard Klein, Emelie Hebert, and Natalie and Paul Bordelon; his cousins, Catherine, Ben, Bailey, Jordan, Mac, Corrie and Sara; his Godparents, John Cappiello and Beryl Kemp. He is preceded in death by his great-grandparents Joseph and Alice d'Aquin, Erma Reiley and Joseph C. Barney, T. P. ""Skipper"" Heard and Bernice Pitchford-Heard, John and Virginia Lipscomb, Paul and Estelle Hebert. He is also survived by his girlfriend Kaitlyn Rothkamm, long time friend, Reed Dunaway, and rescue dog Kaiser. He was an inspiration to his many caring and devoted friends, having tackled numerous challenges in his life and triumphed. Visiting will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street, Thursday April 14, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visitation continues at University United Methodist, 3350 Dalrymple Drive, Friday April 15, 2016, after 9:00 a.m. until religious services at 10:30 a.m. conducted by Rev. Colleen Bookter. Private interment at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Blake's memory to Second Nature Alumni Foundation, 1292 North Horseman's Park Dr., Dammeron Valley, UT 84783 or to Angel Paws Adoption Center, 314 Troy Rd., New Iberia, LA 70563 or to a charity of your choice.