David Barnes
Passed: October 26, 2019
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David Barnes
Passed: October 26, 2019
Obituary
David Barnes, age 57, of Surprise, AZ, went to be with the Lord on October 26, 2019. He was a native of Charlotte, NC.
He was a graduate of Myers Park High School in Charlotte. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Mars Hill College(University), in Mars Hill, NC, and a Masters of Divinity in Christian Education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He went on to earn a Doctorate degree in Education & Leadership from Spalding University, in Louisville, KY.
Dr. Barnes’s career in serving higher education students spans some 26 years. He served as Associate Vice President for Adult Programs at Spalding University in Louisville, KY. He also served as Provost of Ottawa University in Arizona, Executive Vice President of Southwestern College (Arizona Christian University), and as President of Grace University in Omaha, NE. His last post was with Ottawa University (OUAZ) in Surprise, Arizona, as Executive Director for Advancement, Church and Alumni Relations.
David was passionate about what he felt God had called him to do – working in higher education, mentoring and helping college students succeed. He was a devoted husband and father. He had a gentle spirit and was kind to everyone. He was a good listener and encourager, a “glass is half full” kind of thinker.
David is survived by his wife of 32 years, Isabel Barnes; his two sons, Noah (21) and Lucas Barnes (18) from Surprise, AZ; his parents, Bob and Betty Jo Barnes of Charlotte, NC; his sister, Donna Melton (Alan) from Landrum, SC; his niece, Jennifer Curasco (Tony), of Jacksonville, FL; and nephew, Ryan Melton (Melinda), of Travelers Rest, SC.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am, Wednesday, November 13, 2019, in the Faith Arena at the Ottawa University Surprise Campus, 14470 W. Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise, AZ 85374. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s memory to Ottawa University, Surprise, https://secure2.convio.net/ouni/site/Donation2 via the Alumni heading on the university’s website.
18 responses to David Barnes
Olivia Bien says:
November 5, 2019
Please accept my sincerest condolences. It has been an honor to serve your family.
Kristine (Young) Stevens says:
November 6, 2019
I have fond memories of working with David. My sincere condolences to the entire Barnes family. David was a good man.
Lori Schuetze says:
November 6, 2019
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you. Love your OCA family. Lori. Masen and Mallori
Scott and Sandy Tremp says:
November 6, 2019
Oh Isabella and boys, our hearts are with you. David was an amazing Godly man, all who had the privilege of knowing him, even for a moment, were truly blessed. Sending you our love.
Alan Melton says:
November 6, 2019
Although distance separated me from David over the past few decades, I always looked forward to my time with David and his family when they returned to Charlotte. It was a joy to see David pursue his dreams and goals and to achieve them while making a large impact for Christ on others in the process. The fruit of David’s ministry is very abundant, beginning with his successful marriage to Isabel, who has grown in the Lord along with David. Her strength and grace through this difficult time are amazing. Noah and Lucas have had the blessing of growing up in the Lord and their Christian witness and love for their parents is a great example of discipleship in their family. David had the good fortune to grow up with two God-loving parents who raised him in the Lord and supported his goals. David also had a devoted sister, Donna who steadfastly reached out to him over the miles regularly and supported him and his family. No doubt that the Lord is saying to David, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Donna Melton says:
November 6, 2019
My brother, David, was a wonderful, godly man who excelled at everything he put his hand to. He always had a smile on his face and an encouraging word for everyone. He loved the Lord, his family, his friends, his life’s work and life. I will always remember him with great love and affection and miss him greatly. I’ll see you on the other side David! Lovingly, your sister, Donna B. Melton