Harold Edward Barnes Obituary (2025)

Harold Barnes, 92, passed away on May 31, 2025 at his home in Yakima. He was born in Emporia, Kansas on January 19, 1933 at the family home to John & Mabel Barnes. Harold moved with the family to Yakima, Washington when he was three so his parents could farm and work in the hops. Life was hard during these years. Dad started working the fields with his father by age 6. This is where he developed his strong work ethic. He graduated from Moxee High School in 1951, and moved to Bremerton, WA to work in the Naval Shipyard. In 1952 he enlisted in the Air Force before he was drafted. He was a Korean Vet stationed in Greenland. In 1946 Dad met the cute neighbor girl Shirley Sharp. He would pick her up on his bicycle and she would ride on the handlebars. Mom claims he would throw on the brakes so she would fall in his lap. Not sure what Dad's version would be. Their love grew and they married in 1952. In 1954 they welcomed daughter Debbie. In 1955 they welcomed son Randy, and in 1956 welcomed son John. Dad's favorite line was "good thing I wasn't a career man" as mom got pregnant every time he was on leave. In 1955 he started his career at Snokist Cannery in Terrace Heights. He worked for them 28 years, then at Independent Fruit for 10 years. He retired in 1991. Dad & Mom were great partners. They were the original house flippers. They would purchase a house, renovate and either sell or keep it as a rental. Their hard work paid off. They were able to retire young because of their investments. Dad's great love, besides his family, was his cattle and farming. He was still taking care of them just three weeks ago. Dad was also an excellent loving caregiver to our mom the past two years. Dad is survived by his loving wife Shirley, daughter Debbie (Jim), son Randy (Candy), son John (Rhonda) and nine grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his brother Maurice (Donna), sisters Charlene, Helen, and Rose, and grandson Matt. We thank family and friends for your prayers and words of comfort. Thank you, Brookside, for your excellent care. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, June 9, 2025 at Brookside Funeral Home, followed by burial at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Moxee, WA. Arrangements by Brookside Funeral Home. Memories and condolences may be shared at: www.brooksidefuneral.com