Kirby W. Barnes passed away at home with his wife and children at bedside on March 1, 2018, at the age of 71. He was born to Horace and Virginia (Steidley) Barnes of Adair County on July 13, 1946.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, one infant daughter and an infant sister.
He is survived by his wife, Anita, of the home, one daughter, Lisa (Aree) and one son, Anthony, all of Kansas City, Mo. He is also survived by one brother, Dr. Randall Barnes and wife, Debbie, of Lake of the Ozarks; two sisters, Sondra Gustafson (Tom) of Overland Park, Kansas, and Rhonda Clark (Troy) of Houston, Texas; five step children, Scott (Becky), John (Sheila) Tweedale, Marty (Deanna) Campbell, Michael Campbell and Stacey (Ryan) Carlson; 11 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Kirby served in the Vietnam War from May,1964 to July of 1970, as an Aviation Electronic Technician and aircraft simulator instructor. He later worked for Braniff airline and then attended Sanford Brown College and received his nursing diploma in 1996 as an LPN. He lived out his life’s passion as a nurse until his retirement in 2011. Even after retiring he continued to participate in Veterans Day programs and visiting with his former residents.
Kirby was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved riding his motorcycle and often rode with the Patriot Guard. He made friends wherever he went and will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and Crossroads Hospice.
Services will be Monday, March 12, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Mo., with graveside services and military honors.
Our Sincere Condolences
I knew him by riding the bus with him at an early stage of our lives. He was a character and always made me laugh! He nicknamed me and I will not disclose! Thoughts, and prayers for your family! This world needs more of people like you Kirby!
MaryAnn Whiteside Deatherage
My deepest condolences for the Barnes family and friends. I have known Kirby since childhood. We lost contact till our 50th NKCHS reunion. He was such an interesting man and I valued our chats on FB. Such a patriot. He shared interesting stories of protecting our departed vets at burial from a Topeka, KS radical religious church group. He loved his family and his little dogs. I will miss him, we all will miss him. RIP my friend.
Dawn Valenti
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family’s loss. It’s been many years since I knew Kirby but he made an impression on me of a man who was genuine and wanted good things for his family and friends. I’m sure you will miss him dearly and pray your sorrow will soon turn to sweet memories he left you with.
Blessings, Gene
The words of Keanu Reeves have helped me many times when I feel overwhelmed: “Grief changes shape, but it never ends. People have a misconception that you can deal with it and say, ‘It’s gone, and I’m better.’ They’re wrong. When the people you love are gone, you’re alone. I miss being a part of their lives and them being part of mine. I wonder what the present would be like if they were here – what we might have done together. I miss all the great things that will never be,” We miss you Kirby. You will always be part of our lives. We extend our deepest sympathy to your family.
George & Joyce Willhoit
“And He will lift you up on Eagle’s Wings.”
Sondra Gustafson
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Kirby Barnes, I have had the privilege to work with his daughter Lisa at Citi since May of last year. Kirby sounded like a great guy and the obituary reminded me of similar qualities that I see in Lisa as well. My Dad passed away in the Summer of last year and I remember Lisa extending lots of patience, grace and support to me as I struggled with the loss of my Dad, supporting my family and managing my responsibilities at Citi the best I could. The loss of a loved one is tough and I’ll do my best to pay forward Lisa’s kindness back to her in this time of need.
Prayers, thoughts and well wishes from my family to yours during this time.
With Sympathy,
Shane Hammons
Dear Barnes family,
Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with us. He will be missed greatly but you already know this. Love you Anita and blessings to you all.
Angie Rogge
Dear Anita, I’m so sorry to hear about Kirby. He was such a special man. Mom loves him too. (Doris) I’m sure they will meet again in heaven. Bless you and your family.
Becky Neland
I remember Kirby as a great guy in high school. I was pleased to get reacquainted with him through our 50th high school graduation reunion. Prayers are being said for his family as they go through this difficult time. He is being missed by many others as well.
Harold V. Bray, jr., Th.D., Ph.D.
