Kenneth Leon Barnes

Kenneth Leon Barnes was born to William Avery and Grace Mary Mayfield-Barnes on February 19, 1934, at Phillipsburg, near Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where William Avery was employed with Phillips Petroleum Company. Kenneth went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 5, 2025. Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, two sisters, his wife of over 55 years Elnora Garrette-Barnes, and his oldest son Kenneth Avery “Kenny” Barnes.

In his earlier years Kenneth spent his summers on the Barnes Family Farm near Barnsdall, Oklahoma, now partially under the waters of Birch Lake. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School where he met and married the love of his life Elnora Elizabeth Garrette in 1952. Kenneth worked at Knob Hill Florist and in family businesses including Barnes and Sons Fence Company, later joining the Oklahoma Air National Guard and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Military Police. Other employment included Kimray Incorporated of Oklahoma City and Pugh & Pugh Builders of Edmond. Kenneth eventually started his own remodel contracting business under the name of Custom Crafts, later called Kenneth L. Barnes, Contractor. After nearly five decades he retired from contracting and joined the City of Edmond’s Facility Maintenance Team until again retiring, followed by several years at The Home Depot in Edmond.

Kenneth loved woodworking and was renowned for his custom cabinetry and remodeling skills. He and Elnora loved camping, fishing, playing Wahoo, and traveling to Eureka Springs Arkansas. They loved their time sharing a farm in Meeker, Oklahoma, with Jack and Kathryn Garrette, Elnora’s brother and his wife, where they raised hay, cattle, and chickens, and kept a very large garden. They eventually sold their farm and returned to Edmond to provide care for their son Kenny who had been diagnosed with Leukemia.

Kenneth’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ began on November 11, 1956, when he trusted Christ as Lord and Savior, a faithful commitment kept for the remainder of his earthly life. Kenneth served as a Deacon at Lone Star Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Fairview Baptist Church in Edmond, and Emmanual Baptist Church in Edmond.

Kenneth is survived by his son and daughter-in-law of Edmond, two granddaughters, three great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and loving friends. Through his over seven decades of living and working in the Edmond area, Kenneth enjoyed countless friends and business acquaintances.

Kenneth will have a gathering for family and friends at Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S Kelly Ave, Edmond, OK 73003, Wednesday 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. An intimate graveside service will be held at Resthaven Cemetery on December 11, 2025.

In lieu of flowers we respectfully request donations be made to: Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation (non-profit).