On May 6, 2020, Reed L. Barnes, 68, passed away peacefully at his home in Lebec, California, surrounded by his family. Reed was born on August 22, 1951 in Lancaster, California to William and Eldora Barnes. One of six incredible kids, he was raised on a farm and spent many years working on the farm. He was a member of the Neenach 4-H club and spent many of his younger years actively participating in 4-H and community activities. Reed attended Antelope Valley College, and later joined the United States Army, serving in the Vietnam War. After returning home from Vietnam, Reed continued his college education at Antelope Valley College and earned an Associates of Science Degree.
In May 1975, Reed married the love of his life, Patrice. In September 1976, Reed and Patrice moved to Lebec, California and raised their children. Reed was involved in the community and served as the adult leader of the 4-H club in Frazier Park, and was a member of the local VFW, helping with the Annual Pancake Breakfast.
Reed worked for several years with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, working at the parks in Santa Clarita and at Castaic Lake. In 1984, he began his career with the State of California Department of Water Resources as a Utility Craftsworker, and later promoted to Utility Craftsworker Supervisor, retiring in December of 2015 after 32 years of dedicated state service.
Reed enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, barbequing, and gambling. He was well known for his BBQ Tri-Tip. Reed was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, he will be greatly missed. He is preceded in death by his loving parents William and Eldora Barnes and son Benjamin Barnes. He leaves behind his loving wife Patrice, daughters Denise, Carrie and April, son Daniel and daughter in-law Belen, son in-laws Gilbert and Mark and grandchildren Amelia and Benjamin Barnes, and Adrian and Jacob Gomez. He also leaves behind his siblings Lynn Barnes, Rae Ellen Usrey, John Barnes, Julia Stempora and Edwina Weddle along with several brothers in-law and sisters in-law and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Internment will be planned for a later date at the Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin, California.