Ralph J. Barnes
February 21, 1939 - April 22, 2015

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello ,  AR 71657 4/24/2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Map & Directions Gathering of Friends & Family Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello ,  AR 71657 4/25/2015 at 11:00 a.m. Map & Directions   Green Hill Cemetery Greenhill Rd Wilmar, AR 71675 Map & Directions

Ralph Joel Barnes, 76 of Monticello passed away, April 22, 2015 at his home. He was born February 22, 1939 in Wilmar and from that day to this he has brought great joy and love to many people.

He married Linda Rose Hayes on December 22, 1967. They spent 48 years together sharing their joy and love of Jesus and gospel music with all who would listen.
Ralph was with Burlington Mills for 38 years and Leisure Lodge for 5 years. Each job brought him new friends. Ralph and Rose took into their hearts and home the beautiful Barbara Jean Barnes and then proceeded to bring up half the children of Drew County, Allen, Walter, Cynthia, Madison, Alisa, Chelsea and John to name only a few.

Ralph enjoyed many things, but fishing was his passion. He would fish from sun up to sun down, and even slipped in a few night fishing trips. When his health began to fail he took up woodworking. He could often be found working on a birdhouse or swing and sometimes a clock. He loved gadgets. Ralph would sit and play with a new gadget for hours and then try to build one.

Ralph would not want tears today. He would say “Go on, cry it out, then go fishing or build something. But most of all live. Remember me with a smile and know that I walk the streets of heaven with Jesus.” He would ask, “Are you ready? You came to say goodbye today, but it need not be goodbye. If you walk in the Lords way I know we will see each other again in our heavenly home.”

Ralph will be greeted in heaven by his parents, Wesley Barnes and Lillie Bell Bostian Barnes Wingier; three brothers, James Barnes, William (Dick) Barnes, and Aubrey Barnes; three sisters, Beatrice Towler, Rachel Martin and Mary Loveless and four nephews Larry Barnes, Mikey Huff, Bobby Barnes, and Harold Barnes.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Rose Barnes; one daughter, Barbara Jean Barnes both from Monticello; one brother, Robert Barnes and wife Rosie of McGehee; six nephews, seven nieces and many great and great-great nephews and nieces.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with interment in Greenhill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday night at the funeral home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.