Hank Leon Barnes

It is with hearts heavier than words can express that we share the devastating loss of our beloved Hank L. Barnes, who left this world far too soon at the age of 44. Though his time here was brief, the love he gave was boundless—deep, lasting and never measured in years. The joy he brought is impossible to forget and will live on forever.

Named after Hank Williams Sr., Hank Barnes carried a true country soul—fierce, warm, loyal and free. He was the kind of man who made friends in an instant and family for life. People gravitated toward him-a natural light in every room, with sparkling blue eyes, a laugh that echoed and a smile that was charming. Whether you knew him for five minutes or five years, you knew you would never forget him. He was magnetic.

A people person in every sense of the word, Hank turned his gift for connection into a successful career in sales, a path that perfectly suited his charm and wit. More than that, he used his gift to lift people up, make them laugh and remind them of what really matters.

Hank was never about titles or trophies—his greatest pride was his people. He lived for his family and friends, showing up with his whole heart, every time. He loved in both grand gestures and quiet moments, with unwavering loyalty and open-hearted generosity. If you were his, you knew it—and you felt it, always.

As a proud outdoorsman, Hank found peace where the sky stretched wide—out in the woods, on the water, or gathered around a crackling campfire. That fire was sacred to him. It was where stories were shared, memories made, music played and laughter echoed late into the night. It was where he felt most at home, beneath the stars, beside the flames and surrounded by those he loved.

Though we can no longer sit beside him, his spirit remains—burning steady and strong in the hearts of all who knew him. He is not gone. He is in the morning breeze, the scent of pine, the stillness of water and the warmth of every campfire we gather around in his honor.

We take comfort in knowing that as he left this world, he was welcomed into the next with open arms, embraced by the love of God and reunited with those we have lost and still miss deeply. He is home now, surrounded by peace and watching over us with that same big heart.

Hank was a devoted son to his mother, Judy K. Kny and a loving stepson to Harvey Kny. He was a loyal brother to Melissa Barnes and Jeannie Crowell and brother-in-law to Darren Crowell. He was a cherished uncle to Alanna Crowell and Jacob Crowell. His love Katie Pannaggio. He also leaves behind a wide circle of aunts, cousins and hundreds of friends whose lives were brighter because he was in them.

He is preceded in death by his father, R. Leon Barnes; uncles Devon Floyd, Roland Rollins Jr. and James Rollins; grandmothers Flo I. Ruby and D. Christine Thompson; grandfathers Roland Rollins, Sr. and Seth Leon Barnes. The number of lives he touched is immeasurable but the love he gave is written permanently in all of us.

A celebration of Hank’s life will be held on April 28th at The Woodlands Methodist Church, located at 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380, at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome—come as you are, share your stories and remember a man who gave everything he had to the people he loved.

As David Allan Coe sang in The Ride, “The whole world called me Hank.” Hank will forever be remembered and called by that name—beloved, larger than life and never forgotten. He sang his song, lived his truth and touched the world in ways we will always carry with us.

We will never forget him.

We will always carry him with us.

And we will love him forever.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

—Psalm 34:18