BARNES
Holton- Forrest "Rex" Barnes, 85, of Holton, passed away March 13, 2008 at his home. He was born September 1, 1922 in Topeka, KS the son of James and Anna Jenkins Barnes.
He had attended Holton schools and had lived in the Holton area all of his life. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp in October 1942 during WW II where he was an airplane and engine mechanic crew chief. He was honorably discharged in February 1946. After the serving in the military he worked for Utterback Motors in Holton as a car salesman until he purchased the Pontiac Buick AMC Jeep dealership, which became Rex Barnes Motors in Holton; he also owned Rex Barnes Used Motors in Topeka; after many years he sold the dealership and opened a used car lot on South Highway 75 until retirement. Rex was a member of the V.F. W. Post #1367 in Holton. He was an avid fisherman and loved spending time at Rockaway Beach and Branson, MO.
Rex married Irene Frances Armstrong on January 15, 1943 in Victoria, TX. She passed away on November 9, 1988. He was also preceded in death by a daughter Rexanna Ray Sission; a sister Virginia Hune; a brother Bob Barnes; and a great grandson Justin Nott.
Survivors include a son Jay Barnes and his wife Cathy of Ozawkie, KS; a brother-in-law Dean Hune of Holton; 4 grandchildren Lora Ray Myers of Olathe, KS, Kelly Ray of Phoenix, AZ, Hayley and Jayme Barnes of Ozawkie, KS and 5 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Beck- Bookman Library c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.