Frederick Joseph Barnes entered the world on his beloved grandmother’s dining room table on March 13, 1938, in Oneida, Kansas. After the passing of his namesake/grandfather, Fred Funk, the family moved to Seneca, Kansas. When Fred started grade school, he had difficulties because he would not talk to anyone, including his teacher (and if you knew Fred, he never had a problem with talking to people). At that point, he was retained but considered this to be a blessing because he met his best friends Doug, Bob, Al, and Judy. They all graduated from Seneca High School together. Upon his graduation he explored opportunities at various trades in colleges. Ultimately, he returned to Topeka where he pursued his passion of teaching dancing and later enlisted in the Marine Corp Reserves, where he served his country with honor. Fred then decided to pursue his career in sales. During his time selling life insurance he made a cold call to an apartment of a first-year speech pathologist. Unbeknownst to him, the young woman in this apartment would turn out to be his beloved wife, Paulette Whetstone, of 61 years.

After marriage, they were blessed with two children, as son, Bradley Mark Barnes, and 3 years later a daughter, Amy Michelle Barnes. Fred devoted the rest of his life to caring and providing for his family. Fred later on went to build his own business, becoming one of the top sales representatives for Banker’s Advertising. He received multiple awards including Salesman of the Year. Startin in 1997, Fred became the grandfather of 4 grandchildren. Then in 2016 he became a great grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Fred is survived by his wife, Paulette Barnes, of Sapulpa, OK; son Bradley Mark Barnes of Houston, TX; Amy Michelle Harnish and husband Shawn Sterling Harnish of Sapulpa, OK; grandchildren Madison Harnish, Brandon Barnes Douglas Harnish, Paighton Barnes; great grandchild Ainsleigh Harnish; sister Sebini and husband Bill Sebini of Tulsa, OK; brothers Ron Barnes and wife Connie of San Antonio, TX; Rob Barnes of Sacramento, CA; and Charles Wohlgemuth and wife Ellen of Muscadine, AL. He was preceded in death by his mother Marguerite Stallbaumer; step father Sylvester Stallbaumer; and brothers John Barnes and Douglas Barnes.