Russell Edmund Barnes, 85, of Newaygo and formerly Cedar Springs, died Saturday, July 3, 2010 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus.  Mr. Barnes was born February 8, 1925 in Grand Rapids, the son of Edmund Leroy Barnes and Thressa (Bosma) Barnes Lehnen.  He served honorably in the Navy SeaBees during World War II; worked for Consumers Energy for 35 years; was electrical inspector for Newaygo County; taught classes at two Jordan College campuses; had a photography studio and a taco wagon going to fairs and festivals; and owned his own electrical contracting business for 20 years before retiring in 1997.  He belonged to the Masons, Shriners, Moose, and the American Legion.  He enjoyed singing with the Schubert Club of Grand Rapids and the Shriners Chanters, then being drum major for the Shriners concert band for 15 years.  He loved hunting, woodworking, helping others, visiting with friends (and strangers), campfires, pie, ice cream, and telling “true!” stories.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Theda (Wood Hart) Barnes.  Surviving are his children, Judy Elenbaas of Holland, Nora (Stan) Hensley of Florida, Mary Loeks of Wyoming, and Harold Barnes of Newaygo; several grandchildren; his companion, Nell Danielson; many friends, some of whom considered him “Grandpa”; and many cousins and hunting buddies.  Cremation and burial near his wife have taken place.  A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 4:00 PM at the Creative Technologies Academy Auditorium (350 Pine St., Cedar Springs, MI- across from the red and white water tower).  Please come share your memories of Russell.
Arrangements by Hurst funeral Home, Greenville