Obituary of Maurice H. Barnes

Mr. Maurice H. "Barney" Barnes, 87, St. Johnsville, New York died Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at St. Johnsville Nursing Home following a brief illness. Born on February 2, 1921, he was the son of William Henry Barnes and Cecile Alvord Barnes. Mr. Barnes was educated at Westford School in Otsego County. He was most recently employed as a caretaker for the Elthorp Estate in Palatine Bridge for 15 years. He had been a resident of St. Johnsville since July 2006, previously residing in Contoocook, NH. Mr. Barnes was a Veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Army during the Battle of the Bulge and the European Theater. Mr. Barnes was of Protestant faith. He loved animals and farming as a hobby and was also an amateur boxer. Mr. Barnes was a former member and governor of the Loyal Order of the Moose #853 in Canajoharie. Mr. Barnes was married on February 3, 1962 to Palma P. Dontucci at the Methodist Church. She preceded him in death on November 1, 1986. In addition to his wife, Palma, Mr. Barnes was also predeceased by his first wife, Gloria Ambridge, who died on September 9, 1960; 3 brothers, Marvin, Sanford and Leland Barnes; and a sister Eliza Hoke. Survivors include four sons, Edward H. Barnes of Ocala, FL, William L. Barnes of Rochester, NY, Kevin K. Barnes of Ames, NY, Bernard B. "Bernie" Barnes of St. Johnsville, NY; two daughters, Sandra L. Barnes Johnson of Pheora, IL, Patricia J. Barnes McAllister of Saratoga, NY; three step-daughters, Iva T. Goodsill of Portlandville, NY, Veronica J. Casler of Canajoharie, NY, Marie E. Smith of Saratoga, NY; a brother, Ivan Barnes of Ames, NY; two sisters, June Franklin of Homer, NY, and Ida Quift of CA. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.