Cyril Wilbur Barnes
September 30, 2012
Cyril Barnes, 89, died in an auto accident on Saturday, September 29, 2012. Services will be held at First Federated Church, 4801 Franklin Ave. in Des Moines, on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Family will greet friends following the service.
Cyril was born on June 20, 1923 to Esther and Charles Barnes in Spring Valley, WI. He graduated from the University of Iowa with his doctorate degree and worked as the superintendent for North Polk and Des Moines Christian Schools. After retirement, Cyril worked as a substitute teacher and was known as “Grandpa Barnes”. He enjoyed lunching with his First Federated buddies and adopting all of his many “grandchildren”. Earlier in his life, he was an avid fisherman and took many trips to Canada with his sons and other family members. Cyril also enjoyed traveling with Mildred, reading and spending time with his family.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 69 years, Mildred Pauline Barnes; children, Kathlyn (Brian) Scott, Karla (Tom) Willoughby, Thomas (Charlotte) Barnes, Cynthia “Millie” (Linda Carter) Bagby; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Janet Wendt; and brother, Duane (Virginia) Barnes. Cyril was preceded in death by his parents; and his sons, Robert Christian Barnes and Paul Cyril Barnes,
Memorial contributions may be directed to First Federated Church or Des Moines Christian School. Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Scott DaRos Ankeny '91
10/03/2012
All I can say is WOW.. when I heard of your passing... "Mr Barnes" you always lit up a room and will be greatly missed. WOW- What a life...what a teacher. No one could "substitute" your smile and the influence you had on so many students. Condolences to your family.
Maryann Cipriano and Family
10/03/2012
Thankful to have known such a wonderful family man all these years.A man with high morals and love of God and devoted husband.May you rest in peace.
Jill (Lang) Smith
10/03/2012
Heaven gained another beautiful angel! I cannot even remember all of my teachers from high school, but Grandpa Barnes left a lasting impression on me and so many others. He was so kind and had a gentle spirit and a smile for each and every student. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed!
Millie Daddys Babygirl
10/03/2012
I am so thankful to have been raised by you and my Mother Daddy! I thank you for always loving me unconditionaly. My heart is broken but memories keep my heart going. RIP my Dear Father. I Love You My Daddy!
Phyllis (Rasmusson) Robelis
10/03/2012
Dear Mildred and family. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family on your great loss. (From a friend from way, way back, many, many years ago.)
Holly Hoppe
10/03/2012
Grandpa Barnes....a name synonymous with a cheerful, easy feeling and a knack for making people smile. Even as I received news of his passing, a cheerful memory passes through my mind. Thank you for making kids feel important and taking me back in time over 20 years. You were one of a kind Grandpa Barnes! May your sweet soul rest in peace!
Lindsay Plautz, Ankeny 1997
10/03/2012
Grandpa Barnes brightened so many people's lives as a substitute teacher at Ankeny Schools. Any person that had the good fortune of knowing him would agree he was a genuine caring person. I pray his family takes comfort in their memories of time spent together.
Holly Hoppe
10/03/2012
Grandpa Barnes....a name synonymous with a cheerful, easy feeling and a knack for making people smile. Even as I received news of his passing, a cheerful and fond memory passed through my mind. Thank you for making kids feel important and taking me back in time over 20 years. You were one of a kind Grandpa Barnes! May your sweet soul rest in peace!
Jason Hamlin
10/02/2012
I didnt really respect many teachers as a young man, but I have NOTHING but respect & admiration for Mr. Barnes. He was a GREAT man & a GREAT teacher. He touched so many lives of students in Ankeny. I am deeply sorry for his familys loss & for all who loved & admired this wonderful man. Myself included. He was one of a kind & Heaven is enjoying his company as I type. God bless Grandpa Barnes & THANK YOU.
Ryan Collins
10/02/2012
I have many great memories of Mr. Barnes as a substitute teacher for many years at Ankeny schools. My condolences to his family.
Stephanie Battani
10/02/2012
My heart felt sympathy goes out to one of my favorite substitutes from Ankeny High School. God Bless all the students that you touched in the years you were part of Ankeny High School.
Cortney Swanson
10/02/2012
Grandpa Barnes was my favorite substitute teacher at Ankeny High. I still remember him fondly 20 years later. My deepest condolences.
Andrew Hilliard
10/02/2012
My sympathy to friends and family of 'Grandpa Barnes'. He was a substitute teacher at Ankeny High and nearly 20 years later I still think of him as one of the best! RIP Mr. Barnes.
Janet Westendorf
10/02/2012
My sincere condolences in the loss of your father and grandfather, he was a very considerate man.