Eric was born to Michael and Michelle Barnes on June 24,1988 in Oceanside where he resided most of his life. The oldest of three children was considered the “rock” of the family. Strong, kind, direct and unwavering as he lived his life on his own terms.
He attended Empresa Elementary School, Roosevelt Middle School, and Vista High School where he garnered many lifelong friendships and the love of baseball, which he played for 10 years in various local and travel leagues. You’d often hear him talk about his dirt bike vacations with our family and extended family, which was his truest passion. He also enjoyed surfing, skateboarding and wakeboarding with his family on the weekends. Eric excelled at everything and made life look so easy for his younger siblings. After high school Eric attended one year at Cal State University Channel Islands studying business calculus. He later worked for the Kelly Painting Company and Kemp Construction, as well as completing an internship as a machinist in his early career. He had a brilliant mind as well as a photographic memory. He could read a chapter of the Bible and repeat it back to us an hour later as well as reciting excerpts from books that he read in middle school.
Eric had a gentle but courageous and protective spirit especially when it came to his family. He came home to the family that he could always count on and never lost his faith in them or GOD. A true warrior as our priest will contest. He died peacefully at home with both parents by his side and finally found the peace and salvation he so longed for on June 28, 2021. 33 years wasn’t enough for us, but it was for him. And GOD gently carried him home…
Eric leaves behind his parents; Michael and Michelle Barnes. His younger brother; Christian Barnes and sister; Heather Barnes. Paternal grandparents; Major Richard J. Barnes and wife Ardith Barnes. Many aunts and uncles and cousins here and abroad along with amazing extended family and life long friends…
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents; Lillian E. Witman and J. Maxey Witman as well as Kathryn Riley Barnes.
His legacy of courage and strength lives on in all of us; to fight the good fight and let everything else go… His spirit is everywhere. He will be greatly missed and yet
“His spirit was stronger than his body, but he will always be with us”, says his younger brother Christian Barnes.
“Long story, short…” Eric Barnes
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