Ernest Richard Barnes, 88

Ernest Richard "Dick" Barnes Jr. went home to be with Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior on Dec. 23, 2021, in Whitefish at the age of 88.

Dick is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ruth Berg Barnes; four daughters, Lynn Barnes Johnson, Wynda Dobler, Karen Osborne, and Suzie Wambeke; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his sister, JoAnn Lees.

Dick was born to E. Richard Barnes Sr. and Marvel Barnes on June 12, 1933 in Syracuse, N.Y.

He attend Asbury College in Lexington, Ky. It was there that he was called into the ministry. His senior year he transferred to Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, where he met his wife Ruth.

After graduation, they moved to Oakland, Calif., where Dick attended Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary and received his Master’s of Divinity.

Dick and Ruth pastored the 1st Baptist Church in Mesa, Ariz., for 11 years. In 1961, they moved to San Diego. Dick participated in various ministry roles at Calavo Garden’s Baptist Church and Skyline Wesleyan Methodist Church.

While at Skyline Wesleyan, he and Ruth were the young married pastors and provided premarital counseling.

During this time, Dick and Ruth pursued their master's degrees in education. He then taught middle school until he retired from the San Diego School district in 1993.

In 1993, they moved to Troy to enjoy retirement. It wasn’t long until they began pastoring and shepherding at Troy Christian fellowship for the next 8 years. In 2019, due to health concerns, Dick and Ruth moved to Whitefish to be closer to

family.

Dick was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He dedicated his life to serving the Lord.

Memorial service will be held later in the spring in Libby.