Racine – John W. Barnes, Jr., 39, affectionately known to all as “Johnny”, passed away at his residence on Monday, June 22, 2015. He was born in Racine on April 20, 1976, son of John William Barnes, Sr. and Jean René Lawson. He was united in marriage to the former Betty Y. Cohen on May 30, 1998.
Johnny was an iron worker and was proud of his job. He most recently worked for Gleason Redi-Mix. Johnny was a huge sports fan. He loved all teams Chicago, except he still held a place in his heart for the Wisconsin Badgers. Johnny was a football coach in the Old Timers Youth League for the Steelers. He used to love to spend time sitting on his porch and loved to grill out. Johnny enjoyed fishing and spending time in Rhinelander at his grandparents’ house. He was a daredevil at heart always doing crazy things to get attention and a laugh. He was also very proud of his tattoos. Above all, Johnny adored his children and will be dearly missed by his entire family.
Johnny leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Betty Barnes of Racine; children, Jasper “Jabba” (Ann-Marie Mathis) Barnes, Peri “Birdie” Barnes, “Sweet Baby Rae” Barnes, all of Racine; father, John (Kimberly) Barnes, Sr. of Burlington; mother, Jean (Mike Jungling) Lawson of Racine; grandfather, Donald Lawson of Rhinelander; grandmother, Donna Barnes of Racine; sister, Nikki (Matt) Lui of Racine; sister-in-law, Mary (Frank) Williams of Alabama; in-laws, Martin (Prayuen) Cohen; nieces and nephews, Alex Bishop, Jordan Pederson, Jewlani Rodriguez, Orlando Rodriguez, Jr.; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Johnny is preceded in death by his grandmother, Norma Lawson; grandfather, Roger Barnes; best friends, Christian Kuehnl, “Yooper”; and his dear Boxer, Nana.
A celebration of Johnny’s life will take place on Friday, June 26, 2015, 4:00pm until 7:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road. Please wear your favorite sports jersey, preferably a Chicago jersey, in honor of Johnny.
vicki beasley says
RIP John. Gone way too soon. To Johns family I’m sorry to hear about your loss.
Sheldon & Rick says
Sorry for your loss, John was a great guy and will be greatly missed.
Erik Olson says
Goodbye old friend. Rest in peace.
Heather and Jim Mascaretti says
Betty and family,
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers now and always. We are so sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing.
Bruce & Debbie Helland says
So sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Johnny.
Bruce & Debbie Helland says
So sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Johnny.
Renee Ahles says
I am sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to your family.
Doug Sizemore says
Cara Jerdee says
So sorry for your loss. We affectionately called him ears at McKinley and will miss him.
Roger Barnes says
Sorry I can’t be there,Love and Prayers for you all. Johnny will truly be missed. love ya’ll ROGER
Tammy Dresen (Vaughn) says
I am so very sorry for your loss…..my son played for the Steelers at Humble Park years ago and Johnny was one of the coaches! My prayers go out to the family and friends……may God find you strength and comfort during this difficult time!
Peter Koszyczarek says
Sorry to learn about you loss. Will be thinking about you and you family.
Angie Lawson (Kemen) says
Betty and family, I’m sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Mark Murphy says
RIH JB love bro
Anonymous says
Much love..condolences to the family
The Wilson's-Norman, Maureen, Christy, Norman, and Lisa Mutchie says
Johnny Barnes…You will always be a part of our life and we will always remember you with happiness, laughter, good times, and love in our hearts!