Donald Irving Barnes

Donald Irving Barnes, age 75, of Ithaca, died Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at Carson City Hospital in Carson City.

He was born on October 30, 1935 in North Star Township, the son of Irving and Alice (Moon) Barnes. He married the love of his life, Bonnie E. MacLaren on June 24, 1955. They enjoyed 56 years of happy marriage.

Don retired from Alma Plastics (United Technology) and Carson City-Crystal Public Schools. He loved farming, painting, spending time in his cabin in the woods and being with his family. The highlight of each year was the annual family campout. He always said, “I have everything I ever wanted--someone to love me, a home, and a loving family.”

He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie; 6 children: Scott (Valry) Barnes of Sumner, Tamara (Steven) Puffpaff of Ithaca, Beth (John) Berkimer of Wayland, Carrie (James) Hull of Ithaca, Crystal (Curt) McCracken of Carson City, and Mike Barnes of Ithaca; 18 grandchildren: Brandy (Wes) Calvert, Scott Benjamin (Kate) Barnes, Bryant (Jessica) Barnes, Trenton (Emilee) Barnes, Larry (Shelley) Puffpaff, Cliff (Eirka) Puffpaff, Jay (Jamie) Puffpaff, Andrea Berkimer, Chet (Jessica) Berkimer, Garett Berkimer, Blake Berkimer, Jessica (Robert) Arnold, Jason Hull, Thomas Hull, Emily McCracken, Katy (Joe) Gust, Maryann McCracken, and Molly McCracken; 10 great grandchildren: Gideon, Josiah and Lucy Calvert, Reese Puffpaff, Gracie Selleck, Christian and Haylee Puffpaff, Claire Arnold, and Hannah and Lauren Gust.

Donald is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Leon Richard (Doris) Barnes, Levina (Arley) Wright, Robert (Janine) Barnes, Mary Ann (Neil) Strong, Mack (Tau) MacLaren, Margaret (Jim) Kemp, and Brick (Jane) MacLaren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Irving and Alice Barnes, step mother Opal Barnes, parents-in-law Lawrence and Helen MacLaren, and daughter-in-law Betty (Mayes) Barnes.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 11 AM at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor George Showers officiating. Burial will be in the New Haven Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, July 22, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ithaca Woodland Park.