08/21/2024

Obituary for Timothy R. Barnes

Retired Funeral Director and Embalmer of Ewing Hughes & White Funeral Homes

Tim Barnes passed away at age 82 on Aug. 18, 2024, in New Albany, Ohio. Predeceased by his parents, Woodrow Tribe Barnes and DeEtta Loree Barnes (nee Ice) of Albany, Ohio, he is survived by his loving sister Judith Kehl (nee Barnes) (Richard), nephew Mark (Cathy), niece Wendy (Al), great nephews David and Daniel, cousins, and many friends.

Born and raised in Albany, Ohio, Tim graduated from Albany High School (1960), Ohio University, and the Cincinnati College of Embalming. After mortuary school Tim served with honor in the US Army. He was selected for the sensitive responsibility of official escort of deceased soldiers and assisted families in coping with their losses during the Vietnam War. Tim remained on standby Army Reserve until 1973. 

Upon leaving active duty, Tim joined Hughes Funeral Home in Athens Ohio, as a licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Assistant Manager. In 1985 he moved to the Medical Science field at Ohio University (OU) where he served for 18 years as the Director of the Ohio University Willed Body Program, Anatomical Embalmer and educator in the Anatomy Laboratory at OU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. He was known to his students as “Mr. B.” and received the University’s Standard of Excellence recognition. Tim also initiated the establishment of the Anatomy Lab at Marietta College. 

Beyond his work at the University, Tim was a FEMA-qualified Mortuary Disaster Coordinator, Secretary of the International Society for Plastination, member of the Advisory Board of the Ohio Embalmers Association, and Mortuary Responder and member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association. He authored numerous articles in professional journals, maintained his Funeral Director and Embalmer licenses, and mentored many mortuary and medical professionals. 

A talented musician, Tim played clarinet, piano, and organ, and played saxophone in the OU Marching Band. His many interests included foreign and domestic travel, antique tractors, trains, cars, literature, and local history and he had an unbounded curiosity. He read widely, was an avid Jeopardy fan,and was always ready with the latest joke. 

Tim was loved by many and respected by all.

Memorial donations may be made to the Athens County Public Libraries, 95 West Washington Street, Nelsonville, OH 45764. Please indicate that the donation is for Wells (Albany) Public Library in memory of Timothy Barnes. Visitation will be held at the Hughes Funeral Home, 168 Morris Ave., Athens, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, from 12PM to 1PM followed by a funeral service with Pastor Phil Foster officiating. Interment to follow at Alexander Cemetery, 4181 Hebbardsville Rd., Athens, Ohio with military honors conducted by Athens American Legion Post 21 and Albany VFW Post 9893. Those who wish to send a message of condolence or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.ehwfh.com.