Thomas E. Barnes

Thomas E. Barnes Sr., age 79, passed away on February 19, 2025. 

He was born on February 6, 1946, in Alliance, to Floyd and Jane Barnes.

Thomas graduated from Cardinal Moody High School in 1964. He then obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in 1969 where he played Intramural football and was President of Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity. Thomas continued his education at Kent State and The University of Akron.

He worked at Stambaugh Thompson Hardware at the store level 5 years before being promoted to merchandising in the main office. Thomas then worked at Morgan Engineering as the buyer of goods and services for the overhead traveling crane industry. Next he went to Babcock and Wilcox as a purchasing agent in support of power generation, boiler manufacturing and nuclear power. His research work done with them provided support to NASA and ASRM projects. Thomas later served as a sales manager selling welding, machining, fabricating and general mechanical services for Flowers Welding: & Machine Co. He then switched careers and was an Alliance Review sales rep for advertising on the retail level to the northeast Ohio area. Finally, Thomas was employed as an OSHA trainer for local industrial plants until his permanent retirement in 2010.

Thomas came to know Jesus Christ in 1979 and spent 38 years preaching and teaching the gospel. He stated “It was an absolute honor to serve the lord and a great joy to my soul.” Thomas said his only regret in life was not coming to Christ sooner. During his time spreading the word of Jesus Christ he performed a memorial service for Pastor Dave, the Royal Rangers Leader at Marlboro Assembly of God. He also wrote a right to life letter for Pastor Dave as well as many letters to the editor that were published in the Alliance Review. 

Some of Thomas’ favorite pastimes were fishing and collecting antiques, stamps, and coins. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 38 years, Karen; children, Tommy, Phillip, Amiee, Kelley, and Danny; and grandchildren Victoria, Jessica, Xander, Nicholas, Shiloh, Zachary, Nathan, Brody, Riley and Kelsey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Floyd A. Barnes Jr.; and a son, Darrin. 

A funeral service will be held at Alliance Baptist Temple, 1441 W Vine St, Alliance, Ohio, on Monday February 24th at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Pan Foundation for cancer research at www.panfoundation.org.