Donnie Barnes, 89, of Henderson, Kentucky, transitioned peacefully from this life on Sunday, April 20, 2025.

Born in Hebbardsville, Kentucky, in 1935, he was the oldest of five children born to William Crafton Barnes and Dorothy Annette Fruit Barnes.  He is survived by brothers, Larry Barnes (Jean) and Gary Barnes (Pat) and sister, Sue Gayle Barnes Parrish (Jack).

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kathy Barnes Hillock (Steve).

Donnie was married to Jerry Nunley Barnes and together they had two sons, Danny Neil Barnes (Steve) and Kirk Allen Barnes (Angie).  Kirk recently passed away in May of 2024.  Donnie is also survived by two granddaughters, Whitney Barnes Talley (Aaron) and Ariel Barnes Almand (Brad).  He was blessed with six great-grandchildren, Zoe Littrell, Rian Talley, Luke Talley, Beau Talley, Mason Almand, and Max Almand.

Upon the death of his wife Jerry, Donnie was married to Jean Clay and enjoyed many happy years together until her passing.  Recently he was loved and cared for by a special friend, Nell Stone (Zane and Dee, her grandchildren).

Donnie will be remembered by many in the Henderson area for his building business, Barnes Builders.  He and his brothers, Larry and Gary, along with their father, WC Barnes, gained a strong reputation for impeccable construction and craftmanship in the many homes they built.  A local realtor once commented when displaying a picture of the White House in Washington, "It's nice, but it's not a Barnes home!"

Donnie enjoyed hunting with family and friends, particularly pheasant hunting in Roscoe, South Dakota.  Not surprisingly, Donnie made many friends on his annual trips to South Dakota and shared many fun stories of his adventures there.  Another passion was spending time with family on the lake.  Trips aboard his cruiser around the lake with his family and brothers brought many beloved memories.

Giving back to the community was another passion for Donnie Barnes.  Blessed with the "gift of gab", Donnie rarely met a stranger.  Again, with his bothers, he helped develop and construct the Father Bradley Shelter for women and children in Henderson.  Donnie, Larry, and Gary were bestowed the honor of Citizens of the Year, an award given by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce.

He never missed an opportunity to hear his brother, Larry, and sister, Kathy, sing.  He was their biggest fan.

Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2025, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home.  Dr. John Charles will officiate.  Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.