Edward Hugh Barnes, 70, of Fort Smith, passed from this life July 7, 2018 in Fort Smith. He was born February 27, 1948 in Texarkana, Texas to the late Evan and Ella Barnes. Ed was a veteran of the United States Army, having served a tour of duty in the Vietnam Conflict. While in the Army, he was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars. After relocating to Fort Smith, Ed was active with the Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Department where he and David Nichols were caretakers, and considered stewards, for Carol Ann Cross Park. His motto was “Leave it better than you found it.” Ed retired from J. Pauley Toyota after 13 years as a sales associate.
He is survived by his sons, Aaron Tyler Edward Barnes and his wife Kimberly of Flower Mound, Texas and Brandon Young and his wife Kimberly of Anna, Texas; as well as their mother, Linda; and his grandson, Kruz; and granddaughter, Bradyn; two daughters, Rhonda Barnes of Greenwood and Melanie Carty of Alma, as well as a close, dear friend, Hazel Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, James Barnes.
A memorial service will be at 10:00am Thursday July 12, 2018 at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church with interment to follow at U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith, with U.S. Army Honors. Services and cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kitties & Kanines, 4900 Rogers Avenue, Suite 100A, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903.
To sign an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
