Dale Eldon Barnes

Dale Eldon Barnes, 81, formerly of Dumas, Texas passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and clergy on Friday, February 23, 2024.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and the Celebration of Life  service will be Thursday, February 29 at 2:00 p.m. with full military honors. Services and arrangements provided by Callaway-Jones, 3100 S. College Ave., Bryan, Texas.  A graveside service is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.at Lane Memorial Cemetery, Sunray, Texas under the direction of Beeson Morrison Funeral Directors, Dumas, Texas. 

Dale was born on December 26, 1942, in Beaver, Oklahoma to Walter and Vonita (Karber) Barnes. He grew up in Dumas and was involved in school activities and spent time working at a local shoe shop. In the fall of 1961, he arrived at Texas A&M University in the middle of a hurricane that produced more rain than he had ever seen. Dale was a member of the Corps of Cadets (G-2) until he married his High School sweetheart and the love of his life, Sharon Butler on August 17, 1963. Married students were not allowed to stay in the Corps.  After graduating from Texas A&M University, he joined the Marine Corps graduating from OCS as a lieutenant and transferred to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Military career life involves a lot of moving and Dale’s career was no different. His daughter, Kelli, was born while Dale was serving in Vietnam. Upon his return to ConUS, he was soon transferred to Virginia for special training and Engineer School. At his next duty station in Virginia, Dale and Sharon were blessed with the birth of Kimberly. Then he moved his family to back to Camp Lejeune, where Dale and Sharon sailed on their sailboat many evenings and weekends. He would often go on temporary duty inside and outside of the US. The next move was to Salem, Oregon where he was Commanding Officer of the Marine military unit. From there the family moved to 29 Palms for several years.  Dale’s final duty station was Okinawa, Japan where the family took several Barnes Adventures including scuba diving.  Dale’s retirement ceremony was picture perfect overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. He honorably served in the United States Marine Corps for over 21 years with integrity, loyalty, and compassion. He lived his life with those same core principles. After retirement the family moved back to Texas where Dale continued his education at Texas A&M University as a graduate student. The following year, he joined Community Development with the City of Bryan. Before he retired in 2009, he was instrumental in the renovations and revisions at the LaSalle Hotel and Carnegie Library (City of Bryan Project Manager). 

Dale enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in Ute Park, N.M. and at his parents’ home on Lake Eufaula. Some favorite past times were fishing, hunting, and enjoying time with his family. One of the highlights of his life was getting to spend time with his granddaughters. He succeeded in attending and supporting as many of their activities as he could. He loved taking family trips to other places with his family as it gave him joy providing for his family and it has left the family with many wonderful memories. A big memory was the trip with Sharon to Europe highlighted by visits to Notre Dame, London, Edinburgh, and Loch Nest (where he took a private guided fishing trip).

He was preceded in death by his parents – Walter and Vonita Barnes; in-laws – Jay and Bea Butler; sister-in-law Eva and husband David Terrell. He is survived by his loving wife Sharon; daughter Kelli Mishima, Bryan, Texas; daughter Kimberly and son-in-law Aaron Sanders, Round Rock, Texas; granddaughters: Riena Mishima, Kiyana Mishima, and Amina Mishima, Bryan, Texas, plus many cousins and extended family members. 

Family extends special thanks to all the fantastic teams at College Station Scott&White Hospital ICU unit and other hospital doctors and staff, Bryan Encompass for Health, and Enhabit Home Health & Hospice. Consider donations to Wounded Warrior Project, Aggie sponsored programs, Twin City Mission or the charity of your choice in Dale’s Honor.