Melvin Britton Barnes

Melvin Britton Barnes died suddenly on December 24, 2012 following a years long struggle with a form of Parkinsonism. He is at peace now, fully restored to his strong, healthy body, able to enjoy playing golf, hunting, fishing, playing softball and building things out of wood.

Mel was born July 29, 1940 in San Angelo, TX to Clinton P Barnes and Hertha K Feil Barnes. He graduated from San Angelo Junior College in 1960 and from Sul Ross State College in 1964 with a B.S. in Education. In 1969 he received his Masters of Education from Texas Tech University. He married Jane Aileen Jennings on September 2, 1963, and they became parents to Jaleen and Melissa.

Mel Taught at Smylie Wilson Junior High School in Lubbock for 30 years, retiring in 1995. During his teaching career Mel was very active in Lubbock Educators/TSTA/NEA, serving in various local offices and as district president 1988-1989. Upon his retirement, Mel spent many more years as an independent maintenance contractor and cabinet builder.

Mel was a member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church and served on the vestry and as Senior Warden and Junior Warden. He and Jane were directors of the diocesan Cursillo Movement. There are few parts of St Christopher’s that do not bear the marks of Mel’s attention.

Survivors in clued his wife, Jane Jennings Barnes; his daughters, Jaleen Michelle Kinser of Arlington, TX and Melissa Jeannette Barnes of Lubbock; his granddaughters Emma Grace Kinser of Arlington and Madeline Jane Barnes of Lubbock. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Don Gorman of San Angelo and his brother and sister-in-law, J.P. and Yvonne Barnes, of Brandon FL. And several nieces and a nephew, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family wants to offer special thanks to our church family of St. Christopher’s who have supported and strengthened Mel and Jane, especially during the last several years of his life, in particular Karl Morris, who was particularly devoted to Mel. We graciously thank the staff members at Mackenzie House and Manna Acres assisted living facilities, to the staff of Hospice of Lubbock for your loving attention during Mel’s last six months and to the employees of Home Instead for your compassionate care of Mel during his illness. The family requests that memorials are made to the St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church roof fund, to Episcopal Relief and Development or to Hospice of Lubbock.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday January 2, 2013 in St Christopher’s Episcopal Church at 5:30 PM.

Condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com