Russell Calvin Barnes

On May 21st , 2025, Russell (Rusty) Calvin Barnes was released from his struggle with chronic pain transitioning peacefully to join his wife and to be with his Lord and Savior in his forever home.

Russell was the third child of Ralph and Helen Barnes, born in Shattuck, Oklahoma on November 9th, 1938. He was raised in Gage, Oklahoma where just a few weeks after graduation he married his high school sweetheart Ethel (Angel) Marie Peterson. Russell was drafted into the US Army in 1961 and served his two years in Fort Hood Texas with the 2nd Armored Division.

After accepting Christ as his personal Savior in 1960, Russell grew as a man of faith and he and Ethel raised three sons to be strong in their walk with Christ.

While Russell was working on the Liberal, Kansas police force and after being told that they would probably not be able to have children of their own, they adopted Eddie in 1963. Feeling a call to become a missionary to Brazil, he and Ethel went to Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri but God had other plans. God blessed Russell and Ethel with the birth of Paul in 1967 and Russell left school to provide for his family. Not ones to stay in one place for long, they eventually moved to Tyrone, Oklahoma where Chad was born in 1973. In the years that followed Rusty and Angel spent time in various towns in Kansas and Oklahoma before coming to Texas after the turn of the century where they experienced the lifestyles of Gilmer, Anna, Coppell and McKinney.

During his lifetime Rusty worked in several occupations but the ones he enjoyed most were those in construction (especially as a finish carpenter) and law enforcement. Over the years he served as a police officer, sheriff’s deputy, town marshal, constable, chief of police and even a brief stint as a park ranger. His varied experiences shaped him into quite the handyman and he delighted in tinkering and fixing things.

Rusty was not fond of crowds but enjoyed chatting with those around him. He always enjoyed talking about the Lord and giving his testimony. His playful teasing and mischievous nature made him a favorite to many that knew him.

Some of Rusty’s cherished memories were the times when he helped with Children’s Church, taught Children Sunday School classes, led an Adult Sunday School class, and served as a Singles Minister among other church duties. For a time he was an Activities Director and Social Services Director at a nursing home in Oakley Kansas while also a Youth Director in the local church. Rusty took advantage of the opportunity to take the youth to the nursing home to let them interact with the older folks. Both ages seemed to really enjoy themselves.

Rusty was preceded in death by his wife Ethel (Angel) Barnes, brother Levi Barnes and sister Lu Stutzman. Those learning to live without him include his children, Eddie Barnes of McKinney, TX, Paul and Sherri Barnes of McKinney, TX, and Chad and Oblio Barnes of Anna, TX; grand-children, Jonathan Barnes and wife of Anna, TX, Josh Barnes and wife of Arvada, CO, Grace Dotson, her husband and two daughters of Denison, TX; Haiden and Elly Barnes of Anna, TX. Rusty is also survived by his three sisters Rosetta Loomis, Helen Larkin and Joy Price.

At Rusty’s request, there will be a small private family gathering but there will be no public services. In lieu of a memorial, please love and cherish those close to you in a celebration of life and perhaps share a root beer float and some favorite memories of him. You may also consider making a donation to a local ministry that will further the spreading of the Gospel to lost souls. Any correspondence can be sent to 2551 Alma Rd, #2B, McKinney, TX 75072