Ron Barnes

Ronald Barnes (Barney), 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Kewadin, Michigan, on January 3, 1939, to Vern and Treva Barnes. Ron was a storyteller by nature, and he lived out his own story well. He spent 63 amazing years with his wife, Karen, and we know they are overjoyed to be together again. The two of them built a beautiful life marked by hard work, adventure and love as they raised four beautiful daughters. Ron never knew a stranger. Everywhere he went, he made new friends, and he carried these people with him in the detailed stories he told. As a young adult, Ron began sailing for the Port Huron Cement Company. He enjoyed sailing the Great Lakes on the Paul H. Townsend, spending time with the people on the boat and traveling to different ports. Later, he became a truck driver, and he passed the hours on the road by looking for the next beautiful thing he might see through his giant window. Those long drives made him something of a human map, earning him the nickname ‘Rand McNally,’ an ode to his ability to know exactly where you are and how to get where you’re going. If anyone called him to ask for directions, he could tell them the exit number, rest stop, and restaurant that was nearest them. He usually had a story about a delicious treat or a friend he met there, too. He was fortunate to drive truck for Chef Pierre, Michigan Milk Producers, Lawson Oil, Blue Water Trucking, Wagner, and Zephyr Oil. Ron loved to travel so much that he and Karen visited all 50 states, many of which were explored on their motorcycle. They began to spend winters in Louisiana 17 years ago, where he built yet another family of friends. He fell in love with Cajun culture – the washboard music, crawfish boils, and fires along the bayou on Christmas Eve. Most of all, he loved the people. He valued those who worked hard and gave generously, and he found many of them there. Ron leaves behind his four devoted daughters: Ronda (Fred) Shelton, Cheryl (Kathy Moody-Breece) Barnes, Amy Barnes, and Jill (Robert) Marshall. Grandchildren: Katherine (Luke) Manthuruthil, Jennifer (Joshua) Webber, Sarah (Nic) Weemhoff, Tyler Barnes, Rachael (Reco) Wheatley, Landon (Tristina Beehler) Novak, Preston (Danielle Plashek) Novak, Treva (Royce) White, Katie Marshall, Lily Marshall and great-grandchildren Jonathan, Clark, Ali, Jaxon, Elias, Jonas, Kylo, Devin, Mikaya, Maverick, Emmit, and Presley, along with many other loving family members and friends. Ron is preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents, his brother Robert and sister Nadine, and his two stillborn children. We can only imagine the rejoicing he feels at being reunited with them. His stories, laughter, and love will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation to celebrate Ron’s life will be held on Friday November 21, from 5-7pm at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City, Michigan. Funeral services will follow on Saturday November 22, with visitation to begin at 10:30am and the service at 11am. To view his funeral live please visit www.rjfh.tv. Ron will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery in Elk Rapids, Michigan. A reception to honor his memory will be hosted at Harvest Church in Traverse City, Michigan immediately following the graveside service. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Red Cross. To share your thoughts and memories of Ron, please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Ron Barnes

January 3, 1939 - November 4, 2025