BARNES, Benjamin H., Jr., 63, crossed his finish line April 11, 2012.
Ben was a 1966 graduate of Waggener High School and attended the University of Louisville. Ben worked in the Central Accounting Bureau for L&N Railroad prior to the railroad’s move to Jacksonville. Ben had a love for the track, a passion for horse racing. He worked at Miles Park, Louisville Downs, Latonia (Turfway), Keeneland and Churchill Downs. Ben was a 40+ year member and past treasurer of the SEIU Racetrack Employees Union Local 541. Ben was the owner of Guardian Tax until 2002, when he partnered with his eldest daughter, Amy Underwood, CPA.
Ben was an accomplished artist, well known for his pen & ink drawings. He also painted watercolor renderings for individuals and participated locally in the Saint James Court Art Fair with Sonny Whittle for many years.
He was predeceased by his mother, Nancy Herr Barnes.
Ben is survived by his wife of 43 years, Susan; his three daughters, Amy Underwood (John), Julie Robinson (Rob) and Jessica Autry (Joe); seven grandchildren, Henry Slate, Brooks, Carson, Collin, Emory, Cameran and Caleb; his father, Benny Sr., and three sisters, Frances Barnes, Darlene Mooney and Lisa Clark.
Ben is also survived by his father-in-law, William Tooley; his sisters-in-law, Kathy Barter, Nancy Wimpsett, Trish Riddle; brothers-in-law Bruce and Alan Tooley and their families.
Ben will be missed by his lunch groups of ten years for their Monday Meatloaf and Friday Fish lunches. No words can express the gratitude for the support of his sisters-in-law nurses, Nancy and Trish and the Hosparus Staff.
Visitation will be at Owen Funeral Home – Jeffersontown, 9318 Taylorsville Road, appropriately for a tax consultant, Sunday, April 15, 2012 from 1-8pm. Brother-in-law, Rev. Bruce Tooley, will lead a private family service following visitation.
A memorial for Ben has been arranged by his family for Saturday, June 23, 2012 during the ninth race at Churchill Downs.
In lieu of customary expressions, contributions may be made to Hosparus.