Obituary of Lynn D. Barnes

Lynn was born January 26, 1943 in Puyallup, WA to Earl and Vera Barnes (Grauel). He died April 9th in Olympia, WA. He graduated from Puyallup High school in 1961. After high school he worked as a hairdresser at Miller’s Department Store. That’s where he caught the eye of Gloria Neathamer. They married November 1964 in Olympia, WA. Things were tight back then and they paid for the marriage ceremony with $14.00 of rolled pennies. They had 3 sons, Trevor Gene, Trace Lee and Todd Christopher (Keri). They then moved to Puyallup and they both worked at Boeing. They later moved back to Olympia and Lynn worked in construction and then began his career as a carpenter for WA State Dept of General Administration. Lynn knew every nook and cranny of every building on the Olympia state campus. They divorced but in later years remained good friends.In 1974 Lynn married Nancy Hilderbrant. They had one son, Timothy Joseph. They lived in Olympia while Lynn continued his career as a carpenter for the State of WA. Lynn enjoyed vacationing with all of his sons, traveling around the state visiting family. Lynn and Nancy also divorced but in later years remained good friends. After he retired from State employment, he spent time focusing on his friends, family and traveling. Lynn enjoyed woodworking, gardening, home decorating, cooking, automobiles, cruise vacations, and funding local casinos. Prior to his death he was looking forward to the birth of Todd and Keri’s son Ely due this coming July. Lynn is remembered for his crazy antics. He was the life of many a gathering of friends and family. He was always telling jokes. He enjoyed Hawaiian vacations, Caribbean cruises or anyplace that had a sunny beach to sunbathe on while he people watched. Lynn loved to talk on the phone for what sometimes seemed like hours to friends and family or even with total strangers he’d meet almost anywhere. He made many longtime friends from those chance encounters. Surviving Lynn are his 1st and 2nd wives (and good friends) Gloria Neathamer and Nancy Hilderbrant; sons Trace, Trevor, Todd (Keri), and Timothy; his first grandchild, Eli (due in July); and his sister Sharon Saltz; and nephews Jeff and Jesse. He is also survived by the many members of his extended families. He was preceded in death by his parents, his Aunt Arlene “Babe” and Uncle Lynn, and nephew Greg and many of his close friends. He lived a very full and interesting life and will be missed by his family and friends. Memorial Donations may be made to: United Way of Thurston County, 1211 4th Ave E., Suite 101, Olympia, WA 98506. You may leave memories of Lynn and condolences for the family by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.