Obituary of Walter Barnes

Walter B. Barnes, a man who believed in giving oneself for his Country, Community, and Family passed away unexpectedly on Thursday afternoon, August 9, 2012. He was 80 years old. Walter was born in Winthrop. He grew up and was educated in Revere. He was a graduate of Revere High School, Class of 1949. He worked a several jobs before becoming a full time member of the Massachusetts National Guard in 1955. For 22 years, he served his country as a radar technician in our Country’s Missile Defense Program. He served thru the Cold War Era and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Walter retired in 1977. Walter felt strongly in serving his community. He volunteered his time running the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Thrift Store and driving the F.I.S.H. program. He was active member of the Simonds Lodge and Star of Bethlehem AF & AM chapters of the Masons. He was a member of the Aleppo Lodge of the Shriners in Wilmington. Walter was a member of the Scottish Rite, Knights Templar, Cambridge Royal Arch Chapter, Beauseant-Palestine Commandery, and Order of the Eastern Star, Billerica Chapter 212. Walter was a proud member of each one of these organizations serving in their rituals, rites, charities, and community service. In his leisure time, Walter loved being home with his family and working around his yard. He spent hours working in his yard, maintaining his lawn, flower beds, and landscaping. There was always some project or improvement for him to take on. He was a huge Patriots and Red Sox fan. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and sharing 53 years of marriage with his loving bride and best friend, Arlene. He gave his family a guide on how to give of oneself for their family, community and country. Walter was the beloved husband and best friend of Arlene E. (Moran). He was the loving father of Susan G. Fernandez of Lawrence, MA, Melissa I. Serwacki & her husband Richard of Salem, NH, and Jay B. Barnes & his wife Camillia of Sweet Briar, VA. Son of the late Jesse Barnes and Louise Johnson. Brother of the late Phyllis Cross & her late husband Walter Cross, Sr. Grandfather of Antonio M. and Juliano M. Villani of FL and Marcello C. Flores of Lawrence, MA. Great grandfather of Gianna Villani. Uncle of Barbara Cross-Gayhart of FL and Walter Cross, Jr. of CO. Funeral services will be private. Memorials in Walter’s name may be made to Burlington Food Pantry, PO Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803. Late member of the Masons, Shriners,