Jerry Wade Barnes was born to Walter and Willabell (Walters) Barnes on October 30, 1938, in Dierks, Arkansas. Jerry was 87 years old and surrounded by family and friends when he passed away in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on January 8, 2026. Jerry had a quiet disposition and sometimes introduced himself with a dry sense of humor. Before long, though, anyone could feel his love and tender heart.

Jerry grew up in Dierks, Arkansas with his two brothers and attended Dierk's High School in Dierks, Arkansas. He joined the Air Force at the young age of 17 years old. Shortly after he joined the Air Force, he married his first wife Nell (Stringfellow). They were stationed in Puerto Rico where their two children, Dianna and Jerry Dean, were born.

After leaving the Air Force, Jerry and Nell eventually settled with their children in Selah, WA. Jerry began working for Safeway as a meat cutter. It quickly became clear that Jerry's attention to detail and meticulous manner was an asset. It wasn't long before he was promoted to meat market manager. He continued this craft for 36 years at Safeway, until he retired in 2000.

That same year, in 2000, the Barnes family sadly lost Nell to cancer. Nell had become baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses during their marriage and Jerry learned much about the Bible from her over the years. However, it wasn't until his retirement and her passing that he decided he wanted to dedicate his life in the same way. In 2001, Jerry was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

In the same year on November 10th, Jerry married longtime family friend, Inez Ward. For several years, they maintained homes in both Washington and Arkansas. They enjoyed traveling across the country together at least once a year. Having family in both regions kept them very busy and they enjoyed spending time with family and friends throughout their travels. However, in 2004 Jerry and Inez decided to condense their homes and made Waldron, Arkansas their permanent residence. Jerry loved to spend time in the yard. He turned it into a mini paradise, full of flowers and plants of all kinds.

Jerry and Inez also volunteered with the RBC (Regional Building Committee) where they enjoyed participating in building and remodeling Kingdom Halls all over Arkansas. The time they spent in these endeavors was fulfilling and enjoyable. They created many close friendships and cherished memories in their years with Arkansas RBC.

Jerry's volunteer work and self-sacrifice wasn't limited to construction, but also the Bible education ministry and serving the congregation as an elder for 16 years. Jerry was deeply respected by those he served with. He could be relied on with a steady disposition and calm heart. His life offered wisdom that can only come with time and experience that came from his diligent work ethics.

Jerry wasn't all business all the time. He loved hunting agates, especially Ellensburg Blues. He was a collector of many things. When new and old friends alike came to visit, he would offer a tour of his shops. He also loved telling stories to everyone, especially his grandchildren. Occasionally, the stories were true.

In 2017, Jerry and Inez moved to Wagoner, Oklahoma to be near one of their daughters and son-in-law. Jerry continued his home projects and ministry. He loved to take trips back to Arkansas and spend time with family and friends every opportunity he had. Jerry continued to faithfully volunteer in his ministry and congregation until his death. He truly made a good name with his God, Jehovah, by his words and deeds. His example is one that can be honored and our memories cherished until his faithful name is called in the resurrection.

Jerry was preceded in death by: Parents Walter and Willabell Barnes; First Wife Nell; Son Jerry Dean Barnes; and Brother Dwain Barnes.

He is survived by: Wife Inez; Children Dianna Eberle (Gerald) of Prosser WA, Shelly Haynes (Javan) of Wagoner OK, Kenneth Ward (Kristi) of Y City AR; Brother Ronald Barnes (Carolyn) of Wenatchee WA; Grandchildren Gena Colby (Jordan) of Selah WA, Randy Eberle (Emily) of Prosser WA, Kimo Barnes (Rene) of Selah WA, Tara Hamilton (Devin) of Prosser WA, Brittany Brewer (Daniel) of Waldron AR, Devin Ward (Joanna) of Mena AR, Colton Bicknell (Megan) of Broken Arrow OK, Austin Haynes of Tulsa OK, Trenton Haynes (Allie) of Wagoner OK and Marshall Ward of Boles AR; Great Grandchildren Reese, Emerson, Trenton, Porter, Jameson, Melia, Gabe, Joshua, Eli, Nolan, Berkley, Rodney, and Evelyn.

He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends from all over the United States.