Mr. Van Lenor ("Turkey") Barnes, Sr.

"Let the Church Say Amen" Mr. Van Lenor Barnes Sr. the first-born son of Tom O. Barnes and Dorethea M. Gross was born October 13, 1950. Van was born and raised in Kinloch, MO. He attended Kinloch Elementary School and graduated from McCluer Senior High in 1968; he completed 2 years at Florissant Valley College. He was a born again, baptized believer in Christ and a member of Rising Star Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Sherman Glover. He served in the usher ministry and was also the church videographer.

In March, 1970, he joined the United States Marine Reserves; serving six years. On November 15, 1970, after a 5-year courtship. he married Lorinder Williams. To this union was born four children; Van Jr., Bryant, Joyceinne and Thomas. Van had several jobs over the years. In April 1978, he joined Monsanto Chemical Company and later became supervisor. In 1986, he was diagnosed with cancer and placed on disability leave. He batted with cancer for many years without complaining. No one has suffered as long and with a smile.

He kept the Faith and would say "I'm Perfect", The doctors have a problem not me, just run around in it. GOD makes no mistakes. He earned the nickname "Mr. Perfect" by many
who knew and loved him. The boys passionately called him "The Turkey". He was the jack of all trades.

He loved to drive and travel. He enjoyed good food and never met a stranger. Van was also the neighborhood watch and almost nothing happened that he didn't know about. Van was proceeded in death by his mother Dorethea, his daughter, Joyceinne, and his granddaughter, Anya.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife of 51 years Lorinder; three sons: Van L. Jr. (Wydonna), Bryant D. (Kendra) and Thomas E. Barnes; his father, Tom and Gloria Barnes, two sisters Phyllis Meredith and Cynthia (Byron) Crawford, one step-sister, Marla and one step-brother, Robert Gardner, four brothers-in-law: Darrell (Michelle) Williams, Terence (Julie) Williams, Robert (Kathy) Williams, Darnell Williams and four Sisters-in-law: Clare Brew (Larry), Valeria Huff, Deloria Williams, Aleatra Alexander (Julius), eight grandchildren: Pariss, Skylar, Savanna, Kya, Donovan, Bria, D'ary and D'yonna; one great grandson Dyel Pierce and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, GOD children, GOD sisters and GOD brothers. He will also be missed by West and Wells, his childhood friends and adopted families.

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