Gilbert L. Barnes
August 2, 1918-August 6, 2009
Gilbert L. "Slim" Barnes, 91, of 124 S. Third Street, Niles, passed away of natural causes on August 6, 2009, in his home.
Gilbert was born in Elkville, IL, on August 2, 1918, to Hattie Barnes. While in the U.S. Army in California during WWII, he married Dorothy Cruthers in 1943.
He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Barnes Olivier of South Bend, Ind., and Gilda "Lori" Barnes (retired Army) of Enterprise, AL. A son, Larry Barnes, preceded him in death in 1978 while serving in the U.S. Army.
In 1971 Gilbert married Marna (Weimer) Byerley. She has three sons, William (Noi) Byerley of Oak View, CA, Thomas (Beth) Byerley of Lansing, MI, and Paul (Tina) Byerley of Indianapolis, Ind.
Gilbert is also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, his mother, a sister, Bernice of southern Illinois, and by a son-in-law, Larry Olivier.
Surviving are a brother, Frank (Alma) Varnum of Ft. Myers, FL, and a sister, Ellen (Howard) Rath of Elkville, IL.
Gilbert worked as manager of Super Par Service Station in Niles and had retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Niles.
Gilbert "Slim" loved to hunt deer and turkey, loved to garden and have lots of flowers. He was a big reader of Western novels.
Special thanks to the women from Hospice at Home: Mary, Debbie, Bethany and Amanda. And especially to his neighbor, Charles Milner, who was so helpful.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or services. A graveside service will be held at a later date at Silverbrook Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home, 4017 Chamberlain Road, Buchanan, MI 49107.
Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, is handling arrangements for the family.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown