Michael Arthur Barnes

Michael Arthur Barnes, age 73, passed doing what he loved, traveling with his family. He was surrounded by his children in the early afternoon of August 18th 2024, after a long battle with congestive heart failure and complications from pneumonia. Michael was born in 1951, the youngest child of Richard Henry Barnes and Hedwig (Somann) Barnes, with two siblings Richard Henry Barnes Jr. and Adela Marie Hiller. He lived in many places, traveling for his father’s military service, before moving with his family to San Antonio, TX where he graduated from Lee High School in 1969.

His father was a Sergeant major in the U.S. Army, retiring from Fort Sam Houston. They were stationed in Japan, France, El Paso, and finally San Antonio. He had fond memories of the three years they lived in France. They didn’t live on base where they would have had other kids their age to hang out with so they relied on each other, sometimes getting in trouble with their parents for activities usually instigated by his sister (she admits), but he was never a tattletale. They spent hours playing games and exploring the woods, his favorite pastime was building castles, forts, and models. He was a daydreamer in school, and as a teen preferred to be out working or driving his car.

Mike met his wife, Jenny, in 1972 while working at FedMart, and fell in love with her outgoing and bubbly personality. After a brief courtship, they got married in 1973 and remained together for 50 years. Together they transferred to other cities for promotions, having their two children in Victoria Texas. He eventually began working for Sam’s Club and spent 30 years with the company as a manager and district manager, mentoring others and leading with integrity. He was a Sam Walton Award of Excellence recipient, the highest individual honor given within Sam’s Club for demonstrating the core values of Respect, Service, and Excellence.

Mike was a Shriner and a Mason, he was a member of Davy Crockett Lodge #1225 AF & AM and a Nobel of Alzafar Shrine. He was very active in the Shrine serving as Recorder for several different units and clubs. In 2023 Mike was elected to serve on the Board of Directors as Alzafar’s Recorder/COO. He was very instrumental in streamlining many processes for the Shrine and was a great mentor, motivator, leader, and friend.

As a father, Mike was a guiding force, always patient, understanding, and supportive. He took immense pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. His wisdom and quiet strength were pillars for his family, and he instilled in them the values of hard work, honesty, and compassion. He loved to take his family on road trips, relishing the time spent together exploring new places and creating lasting memories. His legacy lives on in the lessons he imparted and the love he gave so freely.
Mike is survived by his children, his son, David Michael Barnes, daughter-in-law Amanda and her two children, Corbin and Journey of Amarillo, TX; daughter, Laura Nicole Fernandez, son-in-law Carlos Fernandez, and their two children, Carlitos and Elena of San Antonio, TX; his brother Richie Barnes, and his two children, Burt and Wanda; his sister Adela Hiller, and her two children Josh and Abbie.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jenny Barnes (Hoover), and his parents Richard Henry Barnes, and Hedwig Barnes (Somann).

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. A Celebration of his life will take place at the Alzafar Shrine Auditorium on Sunday September 29th, 2024 from 2:00-5:00pm.

Memorial contributions can be made in Mike’s memory to Shriners Children’s Hospitals at Alzafar Shrine, 901 N Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, TX 78232.