Maurice Lee Barnes, a native of Champagne, Illinois, born on April 12, 1928, peacefully passed away at his home on July 12, 2024, at the age of 96. He was the cherished husband of the late Donna Lee Barnes (Bailey), whom he lovingly married on July 10, 1949.
Maurice was the eldest of five siblings. He and his sister, Charlene, were born in Champagne, Illinois, while the younger three siblings were born in Emporia, Kansas. When Maurice was still a very young boy, the family moved to a farm in Moxee, Washington, shortly after the passing of his sister Rose at the age of one, a loss that stuck with Maurice. It was on this farm that Maurice developed a strong work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life. Maurice and his brother Harold, now 91, shared an incredibly special bond that stood the test of time.
On March 15, 1946, Maurice enlisted in the Army when one of his best friends was drafted during World War II. With the formation of the United States Air Force in the fall of 1947, Maurice transitioned from the Army to the Air Force, serving as a Small Arms Mechanic. He was stationed in San Antonio, Texas and Guam and was a recipient of a World War II Victory Medal.
His enlistment ended on January 4, 1949 and shortly thereafter, Maurice met Donna in person after months of exchanging letters, having been introduced by his sister who thought they would be a perfect match. Maurice and Donna were married just six months later. Their remarkable journey spanned 74 years, brimming with love, adventure, and treasured memories. Maurice now rests in eternal peace, reunited with his beloved Donna.
In 1953, Maurice and Donna moved to Bremerton, Washington, where they raised their family and Maurice began a long and distinguished career at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard. Starting as a Machinist, he rose through the ranks to become a Foreman and Supervisor, overseeing hundreds of employees and working on ships and eventually nuclear submarines. Maurice’s dedication and hard work were recognized with numerous Outstanding Performance Reviews, and he continually sought to educate himself through extensive training across the country. After retiring in the early 1980s, Maurice and Donna returned to Yakima to be near their siblings and parents.
Maurice had many skills and trades and helped both his sons build and remodel homes through the years. His passions included fishing, a love he shared with his sons through many memorable trips to the Duckabush and other areas. He was an avid coin collector. He also enjoyed competitive bowling and proudly displayed his many trophies. One of his fondest memories was finally getting a fishing boat that Donna felt safe enough to go in, which they used to enjoy many happy fishing trips. They also loved camping and RV traveling with family visiting 47 out of 50 states. In recent years, Maurice and Donna enjoyed visiting the casinos together.
Maurice is survived by his sons, Morris (Marilyn) Barnes of Roy, Washington and Leonard (Renee Quinn) Barnes of Montesano, Washington, and his brother, Harold (Shirley) Barnes of Yakima, Washington. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Tiffany (Ryan) Parson of Montesano, Washington, Dominic (Daunell) Barnes of Aberdeen, Washington, Brandon Barnes of Olympia, Washington, Malloree (Larry) Fontanilla of Olympia, Washington and Jeremy (Lacey) Huntley of Glenoma, Washington. Maurice was preceded in death by his beloved wife Donna last August, his parents John and Mable Barnes (Page), his siblings, Charlene Dybdahl, Helen Lynch, and Rose Marie Barnes, and daughter in law, Kristine Barnes.
Maurice’s legacy of hard work, dedication, and love for his family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. His life was a testament to the values he held dear and he will be deeply missed.
A celebration of his life will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 19, at Brookside Funeral Home in Moxee. Graveside military honors will follow.
Funeral Home (500 W. Prospect, Moxee, Washington). A graveside with Military Honors will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery.
