Charles O. Barnes

Charles O. Barnes, 83, of Van Wert, died at 12:23 a.m. Saturday, June 9, 2012, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born September 7, 1928, in Mercer County, the son of the late Nathan Edward Barnes and Lulu Belle (Martin) Barnes Wurster Wilkin. On September 11, 1948, in Van Wert County, he married Ruth A. (Mathews) Barnes, who preceded him in death on July 27, 2003.

Mr. Barnes retired in 1991 from Schenkels Dairy after 15 years of service. He had previously worked at Pure-Sealed Dairy, Brookside Dairy and Ohio Poultry and Egg Company. He was a member of the former Calvary United Methodist Church in Van Wert and was an honorary member of the Ohio Township Trustees Association.

Survivors include two children, Edward C. (Cathey) Barnes and Robert L. (Kay) Barnes, both of Van Wert; four grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Two brothers, Orla and George Barnes; six sisters, May Cadwallader, Pearl Ables, Mary Busch, Gertrude Barnes, Gladys Seibert and Betty Smith; a stepgranddaughter; and one great-granddaughter, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with the Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial: Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center, c/o Community Health Professionals, 1159 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, OH 45891.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.alspachgearhart.com.