In Memory

Joseph Barnes

Joseph Barnes

From Charlotte Toprani (Hudson)

Dear Mary Ann, It is with deep sadness that I let you know that my brother-in-law, Joseph L. Barnes died on May 3, 2016 after suffering a long illness. Joe and Barbara were living in assisted living St. Petersburg, Florida. Their daughter Pamela and family live nearby, and their son David and his family live in West Point, N.Y. Barbara and Joe have five grandchildren. Joe was dearly loved by all, and will be greatly missed by our family and his friends.

Below is an obituary written by Joe's Son David.

Joseph Leonard Barnes


Joe_Barnes_St_Petersburg

Joseph “Joe” Leonard Barnes passed peacefully on May 3, 2016 in St. Petersburg, FL, in the company of his family. He often said, “I may be the happiest man in the world,” and with the color of his paintbrush, the love of his heart, and the humor of his generous soul, he left this world a much brighter place. Joe was born on August 9, 1942 to Samuel and Annie Lee Barnes, and soon after began a life that was defined by his creativity, passion, loyalty, and humor. Joe’s siblings and family, Sam Barnes, Tom Barnes, Barbara Trayers, Suzanne Winters, and Billie Gaye Roberts, Rocky Bullard, and Tim Bullard each had a role in helping him find his creative self. Joe was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather, and his interests were as broad as his smile. He was an Airman, an engineer, a salesman, an author, a manager, an editor, and he was an artist. In fact, Joe applied his creativity in all he accomplished. He began drawing his own cartoons at the age of five, and was recognized by his friends and teachers as a rising artist. Not only gifted in drawing, Joe was a natural guitar player as well. And, he honed these skills in high school, graduating from Oxon Hill High School, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Louise Toprani.

 

Joe enlisted in the Air Force, and after his enlistment, he and Barbara were married on March 27, 1965. Later, Joe began a 25-year career with IBM, initially repairing typewriters and copiers, and he earned his BS in Marketing and Computer Science at the University of Maryland. He moved into sales and was inducted into the President Sales Club. He used to joke that IBM stood for “I’ve been moved,” and Joe and his family moved to Panama, back to DC, and then to Duluth, MN, earning accolades in all his positions. All the while, he worked as a freelance editorial cartoonist and illustrator, publishing in several newspapers, and he was commissioned to produce over 20 caricatures for clients across the US. He served his last years with IBM in Boca Raton, FL, where drawing from his art background, Joe designed computer products in brail for the blind, and he also authored a book on management styles.

 

But, the corporate world could not contain Joe’s creativity. Retiring from IBM, he went back to school, earning a BA in Studio Painting from Florida Atlantic University. He specialized in pottery and painting, and it was then when he turned his creative energy to painting, first in oils then to watercolors. Joe and Barb retired to Blowing Rock, NC, where Joe really came into form, and his works were shown in art shows in MN, NC, VA, and FL.  An accomplished artist, Joe’s paintings, pen and ink studies, pottery, and caricatures can found in galleries, offices, and private collections.

As an extension of his artistic dreams, Joe designed and built a charming house and art studio in Blowing Rock, NC, surrounded by beautiful rock gardens complete with flowering trees, grape vines, shrubs, and seasonal flora. Joe and Barb’s “cottage” was his artistic inspiration—a place where his children and his grandchildren loved to visit. He was a member of the Watagua County Arts Council, the Watercolor Society of North Carolina, and the High Country Watermedia Society. He was a member of the Rotary Club, and he was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. He taught painting in Boone, but Joe never limited his creativity; he turned his imagination to other areas. He studied to become a Master Gardener, and he contributed a weekly gardening column, “The Village Gardner,” to the Blowing Rocket.

Joe was an amazing father and friend, who taught his children about faith in God, to follow their hearts and use their creativity to make the world around them better. Family always came first, and Barbara and Joe, best friends and partners since high school, shared their artistic journey. Joe inspired those around him, he made them laugh, and he made them better. He will be deeply missed.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, his children and spouses Dave and Allison Barnes, Pam and Rick Levering, and his grandchildren: Jack, Leighton, Kate, Landon, and Leo.

Services with Military Honors will be held 9:15am on Thursday May 12, 2016, at Bay Pines National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Fisher House at https://www.fisherhouse.org/.


 

 



 
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05/08/16 07:22 AM #1    

Mary Anita Griffin (Kahler)

My deepest sympathy to Joe's family.  No matter the age, we are never ready to let go of those we love. Mary Anita (Griffin).


05/09/16 10:20 AM #2    

Sandra Lowry (Haupt)

I remember Joe mostly from art class. He was a great person as well as a telented artist.  He and I worked together (along with many others) on the Clipper Ship float.  I thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Sandi (Lowry) Haupt


05/09/16 01:04 PM #3    

Diane Shimp (Spencer)

Sending love and prayers to Joe's family.  We had great fun in High School.  Joe was a talented Artist, Musician, and good friend.  


05/09/16 06:24 PM #4    

Antonio Magnotto

I am once again saddened by the loss of a classmate.  Joe and I, along with Kenny Williams had some special times together.  I never talked to anyone that didn't like Joe. My condolences to all of those he has left behind.  My prayers are for his soul and everyone who mourns his passing.

Tony Magnotto


05/15/16 03:31 PM #5    

Tom Rhodes


05/15/16 03:37 PM #6    

Tom Rhodes

Joe  was a great friend thru high school along with Jon Watson.

We 3 all loved art class and did alot together- the drawing was from Joe to me in my 1960 year book

His  talent is showing in this cartoon from 1960. He will be missed

Rest in Peace my Friend !

Tom

 

 


05/15/16 07:21 PM #7    

Carolee Rief (Botts)

I was saddened to hear about the passing of Joe Barnes and appreciated the comments sent by his son.  Joe was a magnificient person and I'm honored to have graduated with such an outstanding individual.  I'll always remember how thrilled I was when he drew one of his cartoons in my yearbook. My condolences go to his family.  May God comfort them during this time of loss.


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