Wesley Jay Barnes

Wesley Jay Barnes, 76 a resident of Vaughn, NM since 1976 died Friday, March 30, 2001 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. Wesley was born January 21, 1925 in San Diego, CA to the home of Arthur Harry Barnes and Elise Elizabeth (Penny) Barnes. He was reared and attended school in San Diego. Wesley served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring with the rank of Tech Sgt. On June 30, 1966. He received numerous citations and medals during his military career. On June 6, 1953 Wesley married Lizzie Ruth Smith in Greenville, SC. Following his retirement Wesley made his home in Athens, Georgia where he was employed as a medical supply supervisor at St. Mary’s Hospital. He later worked at the Athens’s Banner Herald/Daily News as mailroom supervisor. From 1976 to 1990 he has worked as a handyman in Vaughn, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Stanley Haywood Barnes, and a sister Ruthie Barnes. Survivors include his wife Lizzie Ruth Barnes of the home in Vaughn, NM; four daughters Janice Ruth Welker and husband Dennis of Provo, UT; Alma Jeanne Langston and husband Danny of Royston, GA; Barbara Jane Barnes of Los Lunas, NM; Juanita Sue Barnes of Vaughn, NM; three sons Jeffery Ray Barnes and wife Delores of Edgewood, NM; James Patrick Barnes and wife Kathy of Portales, NM; and Chester Jay Barnes and wife Cristina of Dalhart, TX. Also surviving is a sister in law Donna Barnes of Hesperia, CA, along with 26 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one Great-great-grandchild. The family will receive friends from 9AM to 5PM on Monday, April 2, 2001 at the Barnes family home, Third and Hurley Street; Vaughn, New Mexico. The family prefers memorials in Wesley’s name to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are entrusted to Chavez Funeral Home, 804 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico (505) 355-2311.