David L. Barnes
May 15, 2014
David L. Barnes, 91, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2014. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 26, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 27 at 2:00 p.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery prior to the service.
David was born on November 29, 1922 in Dubuque, IA to Thomas and Daisy (Roux) Barnes. The family moved to Des Moines where David was a lifelong resident. He attended Roosevelt High School and graduated from North. Following high school he enlisted in the Coast Guard, serving during WWII. Following the war, David lived in California for several years before returning to Iowa to marry Barbara DeButts. Together they raised four children until Barbara’s death in 1965.
In his early career, David was in sales, including cars, insurance, and advertising for KRNT Radio. He then moved to real estate, land development and home building where he enjoyed a long and successful career.
David had many hobbies; classic cars, dancing, Karaoke, cards with friends, following his grandchildren’s activities, and entertaining his friends. He belonged to Kiwanis, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and volunteered with Special Olympics.
David was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; infant son, Tommy; long-time companion, Barbara Baker; and his four siblings. Those left to cherish his memory include; his son, Michael (Evie) Barnes of Ft. Myers Beach, FL; daughters, Shelli (Erik) Munn of Ames, IA, and Juliann (Dave Knutzen) Barnes-Knutzen of West Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, CeCelia and Victoria Barnes, Nathan and Alexandra Munn, Colton, Skyler, and Grant Knutzen; great-grandchildren, Christopher and Jessica Schuemann; and special friend, Patricia Helms.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Special Olympics of Iowa. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Ken Boatwright
05/27/2014
So sorry to see the passing of Dave. It was always a pleasure to run into him and converse- and boy could he converse. Sometimes I wouldn't see him for years but he always remembered me and we would have a nice talk. I met him when I was a rookie appraiser in 1976 and appraised many of his homes over the years. He built good homes and was a good man- a gentleman-a man with a great smile who wore his turtlenecks well. My thoughts and sympathies to all his family.
Bruce & Jackie Barron
05/26/2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We so enjoyed so many years of good memories with Dave. Always enjoyed his many stories. Thinking of all of you and are so sorry we were not able to attend the memorial.
Kerin Knight
05/26/2014
Dave was a good friend. I met him about 25 years ago with a group of singles and so enjoyed his sense of humor and his friendly smile. I was invited to parties at his house, what a wonderful host he was. His struggles and pain are now behind him and I am sure that he is looking down pain free and smiling. My thoughts and prayers are with you, his family, at this difficult time.
Kathy Seward
05/19/2014
Julie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Bill and Donna Carmichael
05/19/2014
We are sorry for the loss of a true gentleman. Deepest condolences to his family.
Doug and Sue Surber
05/19/2014
We were the management at Park Place Apartments, and met Dave there at a party. Mike later purchased the building.
Sorry for your loss!
Ted & Marilyn Lee
05/18/2014
Dave was a very generous man with his time and his talents. I have not known him a long time but enjoyed talking to him and his vast knowledge. Our daughter and her husband knew his children so I knew about him before he came into my circle of friends. He will be greatly missed by many as well as his children..
Jim and Betty Wise
05/18/2014
Dave was our neighbor at Scottish rite Park. Shortly after our arrival we discovered we were acquaintances years past and had several good chats over the past three years. Dave was a gracious gentleman, one we wish we were able to get to know better. We send our deep regrets to all his friends and family.
sandy jacobs
05/17/2014
I met Dave at karaoke. I found him to be a very sweet man who spoke of his children in such a loving way . And when he sang it was as if he would open his mouth and the words would just flow. I know he will be missed by many , loved by a lot , and remembered by all who knew him..My thoughts and deepest sympathy are with his family.
Linda & Eckhard Strempel
05/17/2014
Dave was a true gentleman and it was an honor to know him. I remember his smile as well.
Deepest condolences to the family.