Obituary of Eugene E. Barnes
Eugene E. Barnes passed away peacefully, at his home in Joliet, on Monday, July 10, 2023, at the age of 87. Eugene was born on November 13, 1935, the son of the late Eugene E. and Irene (nee Soltesz) Barnes. He was raised in Chicago and attended Lane Tech High School. Gene enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953 and finished his high school career at Lincoln High School on Lincoln Air Force Base. He continued his education, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (Suma Cum Laude) from Park University in Kansas and his Master’s Degree in Counseling (Magna Cum Laude) from Troy State University in Alabama.
Gene was a proud, decorated United States Air Force veteran, serving his country proudly for more than 33 years. Among other places, he was stationed in Germany, Turkey, Alaska, Guam, England, and Okinawa as well as several states. He had integral involvement in the Cuban Missile Crisis and received special accommodation regarding his behind-the-scenes work in communications during the Vietnam War. Gene achieved the highest enlisted rank as Command Chief Master Sergeant and was chosen as one of the 12 top airmen in all of the Air Force in 1979. He received many medals during his time in the service including the prestigious Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation, and Outstanding Airman of the Year ribbon.
After retiring from active duty with the Air Force, Gene was hired as a civilian at the Great Lakes Naval Base, where he was the Director of Housing for 27 years. Although Gene is proud of all his accomplishments, he is the proudest of his children and his family.
In his free time, Eugene was an avid Cubs fan. He loved the Chicago Bears and Bulls, but the Cubs held a special place in his heart. When he was at home, he enjoyed walking the neighborhood and grilling out with his wife, Margaret.
The last year of Gene’s life was spent at Solstice Independent Living where he enjoyed spending time making new friends. He always spoke so highly of the facility and the staff and commented often on the positive influence they had on his last year of life. Gene will be missed by all who loved him.
Eugene is survived by his son, Jeff (Lin) Barnes; daughter, Margo (Tim) Winder; five grandchildren, Rachael (Cody) Swopes, Jacob (Michelle) Winder, Joshua (Michelle) Winder, Jennifer (John) Battles, and Luke (Amber) Winder; and his six great-grandchildren, Finnegan, Evajean, and Fox Swopes, Lacey and Brooklyn Winder and Nolan Battles.
He is preceded by his loving wife of 57 years, Margaret Barnes; and his parents.
Visitation for Eugene E. Barnes will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd, Joliet, IL, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Service at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow with procession led by the Illinois Patriot Guard, to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Air Force and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the Air Force Aid Society or the Cubs Charities Community Fund.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
