Richard Barnes, Sr

Richard Barnes Sr. 72, was born to George and Katherine Barnes Sr. on December 19, 1950. He became an ancestor on August 19th, 2023.

At the age of 9 he was baptized and dedicated his life to Christ at the Bloomfield Baptist Church in Cadiz, KY. He was a graduate of Trigg County High School and later graduated with his cosmetology and barber license from the West Kentucky Vocational Barber’s School. He was a devoted entrepreneur of several businesses which consisted of UNA Pizza, Cookie’s Fashions, and Cookie’s cooking. He was especially known for the “Barnes House of Fame” for over 50 years servicing men and women of the community. Richard was honored to serve as the esteemed Pastor of the Eastview Missionary Baptist Church since 2015.

In his early years he was well known as one of the mid-west’s monumental gospel promoters by bringing many of the industry’s largest artists to the city such as the Williams Brothers, Jackson Southernaires, Mississippi Mass and countless others. Due to his love for music he was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of recording an album with his family group Richard Barnes and the Barnes Family. A dream deferred became a reality on August 11th with the release of “A Family Affair”.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson; Maurice Hay III, one sister; Kathy Radford and brothers-in-law; Leon Fletcher and Roy Gant

He leaves to cherish his loving and devoted wife of 53 years Rosa Lee “Cookie” Barnes, children Pam(Oliver) Richmond, Jacqueline Minor, Marcellus (Denita) Barnes, Melissa “Lisa” Freeman affectionately known as “fourth daughter” of Chattanooga, TN; Timothy(Larina) Minor, Anthony Minor, Richard Barnes Jr and Ritchele Barnes of Evansville, IN; Brothers Clem Barnes (Lawana) of Muncie IN, George W (Annette) Barnes Jr of Evansville, IN; Sisters Bettye Barnes of Louisville, KY, brothers-in-law; Ray Ware, Paul, William, Walter, Sam, sisters-in-law; Rita “Sissy”(Rev. Todd Robertson), and Louise Reed all of Evansville, IN, and Rev. Charles Radford of Clarksville, TN, 28 Grandchildren and 38 Great Grandchildren a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.


Visitation will be held Friday from 5pm til 8pm with a musical from 5 to 7pm and viewing from 7 until 8pm at Eastview Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 11:00am at Liberty Missionary Baptist Church. Burial at Oak Hill Cemetery.