Charles Raymond Barnes, 70, of Ceres, California, passed away on February 20, 2017 after a short battle with cancer. Charles was born in Bellingham, Washington to Charles Albert Barnes and Tracy Wilhelmina Barnes on November 1946. He moved with his family to Turlock during grade school and made the area his home for the rest of his life. He is a member of Turlock High School’s Class of 1964, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences from California State University, Stanislaus. Charles was very focused on earning his degree, not only because he knew it would help him advance his career, but because it was important for him to be a role-model for his sons and grandchildren. He enjoyed a thirty-three year career in the Public Works department of Stanislaus County and was proud of the work he did to help make his community a better place.
In 1966, Charles married his high school sweetheart, Linda Ann Heckendorf. They were married for seven years and had two sons, Doran James Barnes and Scott Linden Barnes.
In 1978, Charles married the love of his life, Carol Jean Fong. Charles and Carol had many adventures in their almost 40 years together. They supported each other’s dreams, were each other’s best friend, and loved each other deeply.
Charles delighted in travel, particularly by cruise ship although most any mode of transport would do. He was a lifelong train enthusiast, often planning vacations around train trips and was the proud part-owner of “The Palm Leaf”, a passenger sleeping car that originally operated on Santa Fe’s Super Chief service. Charles also loved model trains and served on the Board of Directors of the Train Mountain Railroad in Chiloquin, Oregon, where he most recently served as Secretary. History was another passion of his and he often enjoyed visiting and learning from historical sites. Charles was an active member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Charles is survived by his wife, Carol Jean Barnes. Charles is also survived by his sons Doran and Scott, his grandchildren Tracy, Kindred, Grant, and Logan and his sisters Betty Overby and Bonnie Evers, along with many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Turlock or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caring and professional staff at Doctors’ Medical Center for their compassion and support during Charles’ last days.
Charles lived a great life! He will be deeply missed and long remembered by his family and friends.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Turlock, California on Saturday, March 18th at 11:00 a.m. A reception with family and friends will follow the service at the church. Please share your memories at www.AllenMortuary.com
