Joseph William Barnes Jr., 85, of Highland, IL, born Sunday, October 22, 1939, in Los Angeles, CA, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
Joe graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1958. There, he was a proud member of the golf and diving teams, as well as the Sports Car Club, Golf Club, Letterman, and Prom Committee. After graduation, he attended college in Florida and then returned to the St. Louis metro area to work with his father in construction. He was a Staff Sergeant in the 52 Medical Service Squadron of the U.S. Air Force Reserves from 1962 to 1968.
In 1974, he married his bride, Linda, and moved to Highland after designing and building their A-frame home with his father. There, they built their lives and raised two daughters. Joe worked as a Project Manager for Interior Construction Services in St. Louis until his retirement.
He was a member of St. Clair Lodge #24 A.F & A.M. in Belleville, IL, Scottish Rite Bodies where he received his 33° in 1982, Ainad Shrine where he served as President of the Arab Patrol Club in 1970 and Potentate in 1985, Southern Illinois Court #86 R.O.J. (Past Director 1973), and Elks Lodge #664 in Fairview Heights, IL.
Honest, hardworking, witty, and loving, Joe was a devoted husband and father. He had a passion for golf, whether it was on the course with friends or playing mini golf with his wife, children, and grandsons. He adored watching sports on TV, especially with his grandson, Cole, sharing countless hours of games and conversation. He loved playing games with his family, especially Telestrations, which always brought plenty of laughter.
He and his beloved wife, Linda, shared many joys in life, including their season tickets to the Muny, where they loved seeing shows together. They also cherished traveling to Branson with their dearest friends and family to take in performances. Together, they enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, regular visits to Texas to see their younger daughter and grandsons, and adventures across the country with their older daughter, creating treasured memories.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents, Joseph W. Sr. and Louise, nee Jost, Barnes
Surviving are his:
- Loving wife of 51 years, Linda Barnes, nee Kinder, of Highland, IL
- Children:
- Lynda Marshall of Highland, IL
- Leslie (Jason) Benson of Fate, TX
- Grandchildren:
- Cole Benson
- Lewis Benson
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Children’s-St. Louis.
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 p.m. – 7:13 p.m., Friday, May 23, 2025, at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois. A Jester Rose Ceremony will begin at 7:13 p.m., followed by a Past Potentate Walkthrough, followed by a Masonic Service at 7:30 p.m.
Services: Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Kurrus Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Stewart officiating. Private family interment to follow.
