LEICESTER: Stuart K. Barnes,78, of Leicester, died Thursday, March 24 at Rose Monahan Hospice House in Worcester.
He leaves his wife of 48 years, Jane L. (Bonin) Barnes, his sons; John K. Barnes and his wife Angela of Andover and David A. Barnes and his wife Amy of West Bend, Wisc., three brothers; John Barnes and his wife Ruella of Elkridge, MD., Roger Barnes and his wife Janice of Webster Groves, Missouri and Gordon Barnes of Southbridge, five grandchildren; Gideon, Mirabelle, Broderick, Brady and Madelyn Barnes, nieces and nephews.
Stuart was a mail handler for the US Postal Service in Shrewsbury for 20 years, retiring in 2009.
He was born in Lowell, the son of Kenrick and Mary (Nickless) Barnes and later graduated from Story High School in Manchester by the Sea and earned an associates degree from Worcester Junior College. He served his country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Cherry Valley Post 443 American Legion.
Stuart served on the Leicester Fire Dept. as a firefighter and EMT for 30 years and was a past president of its Brotherhood of Firefighters. He enjoyed game shows, crossword puzzles, travelling to Cleveland and Wisconsin, vacations to VT and Cape Cod. Loved laughing and having fun with his family, especially his grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at St. Vincent Hospital, LifeCare of Auburn, Vibra Hospital, and Rose Monahan Hospice Home for their care and kindness.
Stuart's funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 30th. from the MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester with a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, 1153 Main St., Leicester. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Leicester. Calling hours will precede the service on Wednesday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Leicester Firefighter's Association Relief Fund, PO BOX 377, Leicester, MA 01524.