Dean Franklin Barnes

Dean Franklin Barnes

Dean Franklin Barnes was born on March 23rd, 1960 to the late Rev. Fred Barnes and Martha Adams Barnes.  From the start he was an active handful.  After early years in Durham and Mocksville, he and his family settled in Lenoir.

Dean attended his freshman, sophomore, and junior years at Lenoir High School, including playing the trombone in the famous LHS band.  When LHS closed, he graduated from West Caldwell High School in 1978.  He attended two years at Wingate College before transferring to his goal site of Wake Forest University.  After a challenging beginning, he persevered and made the Dean’s list.  He achieved his dream and graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in politics in 1982.  He had a 28 year career with the N.C. Department of Revenue headquartered in Charlotte.

Dean was always fond of knowledge, especially history, politics, and current events.  He had a keen memory for trivia and dates.  He often asked his siblings “Do you know what happened on this day a certain number of years ago?”.  His siblings depended on him to keep the chronological history.  He took pride in the right to vote, never missing his obligation at any election.

Dean was an extremely sensitive and caring soul.  He wanted people to be treated with respect.  Despite his own hardships, he organized support group meetings and often called his neighbors to ensure that everyone felt included and cared for.  He liked to be the first one to wish his family members Happy Birthday so they expected early wake up calls.

Living in his body has been a challenge for Dean for several years. Through it all, he kept his faith and love of family.  He continued to be an analytical thinker and he never lost his sense of humor.

Dean’s spirit was released from his body on March 21, 2024 while surrounded by his siblings. He was greeted by his father Fred Barnes.  Those left to cherish his memory include his mother Martie Barnes, sisters Debbie Eller (Rob) and Dara Barnes (Lew Norman), brother Brian Barnes, and nephew Barrett Norman, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on his behalf to Wake Forest University, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or Lenoir High School Band Building renovation fund c/o J.C. Harper School of Performing Arts.  A private family memorial was held on Sunday afternoon led by his cousin Rev. Bill  Wade.  Condolences can be sent to his family at 123 Whispering Pines Dr. Hudson, NC 28638.