Dr. Lanny Barnes

TUMWATER, Wash. -- Dr. Lanny Wilson Barnes, 72, of Tumwater passed away Thursday, April 9, 2015, at his home, with his wife of 52 years and two sons by his side.

He was born on Black Island in Hayti, Missouri, to Homer and Hattie Barnes.

Lanny was a longtime resident and educator in Cape Girardeau. In his work life, Lanny was very close to his faculty and staff at Central Junior High School.

He participated in high-school baseball, football and minor-league baseball in college. Lanny was an avid golfer and fisherman and also loved boating and gardening.

Lanny believed any job worth doing was worth doing well, and he passed this wisdom to his children.

On Dec. 26, 1962, Lanny was married to Patricia Louise Estel.

He truly enjoyed spending time with his family. Lanny spent his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife and family in Hawaii. Lanny was a Christian and kept God very close to his heart.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia L. Estel Barnes of Tumwater; two sons, Ty Barnes of Puyallup, Washington, and Sean Barnes of Portland, Oregon; a granddaughter, Eleanor Rae Denning-Barnes; mother Hattie Barnes Parker of Springfield, Missouri; a twin brother, Larry Barnes of Sarasota, Florida; and two sisters, Deronda Redden of Destin, Florida, and Jana Wolfe of Springfield.

His father, Homer Barnes, and a son, Carl Gregory, preceded him in death.

A celebration of his life will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Central Junior High School.

Mills and Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater is in charge of arrangements.

The family asks that no flowers be sent, but please donate to the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity.

Academic preparation:

In 1979, University of Mississippi, Oxford, doctorates of education; 1969, Southeast Missouri State University, masters in education administration; 1965, Southeast University, bachelor of science in secondary education; 1960, graduated from Central High School.

Professional experiences:

From 2007 to 2014, substitute teacher and evaluated substitute teachers for Kelly Services in Springfield; 1996 to 2006, assistant department head/curriculum coordinator, Department of Secondary Education, Pensacola Junior College, Pensacola, Florida; 1994 to 1996, curriculum coordinator, A+ Schools Program, Cape Girardeau Public Schools; 1974 to 1994, principal at Central Junior High School, Cape Girardeau Public Schools; 1989 to 1992, adjunct professor, graduate school, Southeast University; 1969 to 1974, assistant principal, Central Junior High School; and 1965 to 1971, taught biology, chemistry and earth science at Central High School.