Thomas Ernst Barnes

Thomas Ernst (Tom) Barnes passed away on July 30, 2024 at the age of 94. Tom was born in Beaver Dam, Kentucky on August 14, 1929. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1951 and married his college sweetheart, Pat Barnes, on August 18, 1951. Tom and Pat maintained a loving and supportive marriage of 72 years up until Pat’s passing in 2022.

Upon graduation from college, Tom served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War. After leaving the USAF, he worked for Ralston Purina in Iowa, Michigan, Canada, Indiana and Missouri; and Jim Dandy and the Aldridge Garden Shop in Birmingham, AL. Upon retirement, Pat and Tom moved to their favorite vacation destination -- the beach!

Tom’s love for fishing and their shared love of the beach not only landed them in Niceville, FL for retirement, but also took them to Cozumel, Mexico for several vacations. He was able to step out his back door of the house in Niceville to fish and the beach was just 10 min away. They enjoyed sharing their love of the beach with their children and grandchildren.

Tom is survived by their children Barbara Sanders, Sarah Plemmons and Tom Barnes; four grandchildren - Christina Holden, Kaitlyn Plemmons, Kari Riddell and Scott Plemmons; and three great-grandchildren - Flynn Plemmons, Lawrence Plemmons and Lennon Riddell.

The family is planning a private celebration of life in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Salvation Army.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Ernst Barnes, please visit our floral store.