NETAWAKA- Jarrel Lee Barnes, 81, of Netawaka, KS, formerly of Soldier, passed away Sunday, November 09, 2008 at the Onaga Hospital. He was born September 21, 1927 in Bancroft, KS, the son of L.L."Chick" and Florence (Riggs) Barnes. He graduated from Soldier High School in 1945 and worked as a dairy farmer in the Soldier community for most of his life. He lived in Topeka from 1987 to 2005 where he managed Highland Homes for 12 years. He has lived in Netawaka since 2005.
Jarrel was a long time member of the Soldier Christian Church and attended the Rolling Hills Christian Church in Topeka while he lived there. He was married to Iris L. Summers on April 1, 1951 in Soldier, KS. She passed away March 2, 1996. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Ronald L. Barnes and his grandson, Colby L. Barnes. He is survived by his sons, Randy L. Barnes and wife, Stephanie of Netawaka, KS and David L. Barnes and wife, JoLynn of Onaga, KS; his brother, Robert A. Barnes of Topeka, KS; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at the Soldier Christian Church. Interment will be in Soldier Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association c/o Mercer Funeral Home, Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.