Walter Dale Barnes

Walter Dale Barnes, 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 21, 2012. He was born May 14, 1924 at Perryton, Texas to Emory Franklin Barnes and Pearl Hallie (Rehard) Barnes. At the death of his Mother in 1932, he went to live with his maternal grandparents, William Isaac Rehard and Jennie Laverne (Cramer) Rehard at Perryton, Texas. They moved to Beaver, Oklahoma in 1933 where he attended Beaver High School. On June 6, 1942, Walter married his high school sweetheart, Vonita Karber. To this marriage was born 2 sons Dale Eldon Barnes and one stillborn. Walter was drafted into the United States Coast Guard February 7, 1943 and proudly served in the American and Pacific Theaters during World War II. After his discharge on October 23, 1945, he returned to Beaver, Oklahoma. He and Vonita moved several times before settling in Dumas, Texas where he worked for Phillips 66 Chemical Company for 15 years. While living in Dumas, he was an avid bowler and helped organize and coach PeeWee basketball and football in Cactus and Dumas, Texas. He and Vonita were baptized into The General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn March 15, 1953 at Vici, Oklahoma. They moved to Checotah, Oklahoma in November, 1966 where he worked for Naval Ammunition Plant, later named the Army Ammunition Plant. He retired from there after 20 years on June 3, 1986. He and his companion built a home on Lake Eufaula in 1974 where they enjoyed their favorite pastime of fishing together. He helped in the construction of the Church in Checotah where he and his companion were very active. He was an active member of the Texanna Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He is preceded in death by his parents, one stillborn son, one half-brother, Ernest Eldon Randolph and his beloved wife of 66 years: Vonita. He is survived by his son Dale and his wife Sharon of Bryan, Texas; two granddaughters: Kelli Mishima of Bryan; Kimberly and husband Aaron Sanders of Round Rock, Texas; three great granddaughters: Riena; Kiyana and Amina Mishima of Bryan; and many nieces and nephews. He wished to thank all his Brethren in the Church and his neighbors for their help after the passing of his wife. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to The General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn of Checotah, Oklahoma or church of your choice.