Obituary of Bobby Gene Barnes

Bobby Gene Barnes, 82, of Collinston, LA, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 7, 2024, with his family by his side after battling lung cancer. Bobby was a wonderful Christmas present for his parents, being born on December 24th, 1941 in Kilbourne, LA. Bobby worked hard all his life working mostly with heavy equipment, building highways in several states, up until he finally retired in 2014. He worked hard but he also enjoyed life, making sure he taught his children to love the outdoors just like he did, from camping, fishing, hunting, having houseboats for family fun year round on the Ouachita river, to a camp on the Bonne Idee. He loved life, his family, friends and was always busy with some kind of hobby, never afraid to take on a new task. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil & Laurene Barnes, wives and mother of his children, Patsy Barnes (d. 2004), Bernice Barnes (d. 1961) Bobby is survived by his wife of fifteen years, Diane Sharbono Barnes; his three children, Bobby Ray (Judy) Barnes, Sr., Lynda (Greg) Ryals, and Terry (Terry) Alvis; step daughter, Lynn Nelms; three grandchildren, Brandy Skipper, Andrew Scalia and Bobby Barnes, Jr. (BJ); step grandchildren, Nolan & Chase McGregor; two great grandchildren, Gracie & Henry Skipper; step great grandchildren; one sister, Sue Barnes and nieces, nephew & many cousins & friends. Please join us in celebrating Bobby’s life at 11 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2024 at Loch Arbor Baptist Church with Bro. William Sikes officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the church. Pallbearers will be BJ Barnes, Chase McGregor, Nolan McGregor, Tony Scalia, Andrew Scalia, and Michael Woolsey. Honorary Pallbearers will be Norwood Christianson, Billy Matlock I, Dennis Matlock, Mike McKinney, Billy Myers. Arrangements are under the direction of Golden Funeral Home.