Melburn Clay "Bud" Barnes, age 94, of Fredonia, Kansas, passed away Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at Morningstar Care Homes in Fredonia.
Bud was born on Dec. 28, 1927, in Fredonia, Kansas, to Troy and Pearl (Fyfe) Barnes. He grew up the youngest of three children. Being the youngest and the only boy, his parents spoiled him. He attended school in Fredonia and graduated from Fredonia High School.
In February 1946, Bud enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country and was sent to Italy and Germany during WWII. He was later called back into inactive reserve status during the Korean War. After serving, Bud attended Railroad school in Kansas City. He then worked for the railroad and Standard Oil Company in Neodesha before going to work for First National Bank in Fredonia. He spent many years at the bank, retiring as Vice-President when he turned 60 years old.
Bud married Mary Ann Robertson on Feb. 6, 1949, in Fredonia. They spent 65 wonderful years together until her passing in 2014. They raised two children together, and although Bud was active in many different organizations, he somehow always made time for his family.
In his spare time, Bud enjoyed quail hunting, which was an every weekend event during the season. He also spent time in Colorado fishing. His other true passion was sports. He loved the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. He used to sell Chiefs game tickets at the bank.
He was a member of the Fredonia Veterans of Foreign Wars and once served as the Post Commander. He served on the School Board, was a member of the United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher, treasurer, and on many committees over the years, the Fredonia Rotary Club. He also served as a Boy Scout Leader for a time and donated blood every time the Red Cross came to town. He was very proud of the fact that he had donated 26 gallons of blood throughout his lifetime. His true passion was the Masonic Constellation Lodge #95 AF&AM, where he was a member for 70 years. He served in too many positions and on too many committees to list, but he truly had a history with the lodge that cannot be matched.
Bud is survived by his children, Mel Barnes and wife Mary of Fredonia, Kansas, and Lindy Schmidt and husband Steve of Pearland, Texas; grandchildren: Stephanie Shay, Chris (Jennifer) Barnes, and Brad (Christina) Barnes; and great-grandchildren: Rylie Shay, Kiarra, Emerson, Kinzie, Karson, Stella, and Kai Barnes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mary Ann, and grandson, Brandon Shay.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church in Fredonia, with interment to follow in Fredonia City Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at visitation from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia.
Memorial contributions in honor of Bud can be made to the Fredonia Pound Pals or the First United Methodist Church of Fredonia and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.
Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th, P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736.
