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
Michelle Reddy says:
November 7, 2019
Our hearts and prayers are with your family. My deepest sympathies are with you over the loss of your beloved husband and father.
Carlon Tschetter, Grace Univ, Trustee says:
November 11, 2019
Isabel, deepest sympathies from Bonnie & I. Please know that you and your sons have been in our thoughts and prayers. Asking for God’s abundant grace to uphold you and sustain you in this difficult time.
Paulette Alley Erskine says:
November 11, 2019
I am so saddened to hear this. Went to First Baptist Church with David. What a wonderful person he was. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Natasha Stasiuk says:
November 12, 2019
I sure will miss Dr, Barnes, I thank him for everything he has supported me while I was at OUAZ! My deepest sympathies are with you over the loss. He will always be in my heart
Jeanne Newhart says:
November 22, 2019
Dear Betty Jo Barnes, and family
I worked with you at Charlotte Observer and you always talked about your children, David and his wife, and Donna and her husband. I always enjoyed talking with you and you were always a nice Chrustian lady with always a smile on your face. That is where David always was able to smile and be happy also. He was was enjoying doing what God wanted him to do. I am so sorry for your loss, and for David’s wife also. His two children will need their family by their side at times also. ⁶May God continue to grant you a sense of peace knowing that David was as Christ like as anybody could be and in heaven looking down on his entire family with love.” MAY GOD EACH ONE OF YOU AT THIS TIME.” Again and sorry for your loss of your Christian son.
David E. Mills says:
November 13, 2019
My thoughts and prayers go out to Isabel, the boys and the Barnes family. I grew up with David in Charlotte, NC and we attended First Baptist Church together many years ago. I always knew him to be a good person with a great heart and excellent potential. It is wonderful to see how he sought the Lord’s will for his life and followed his guidance. He had a profound impact on many lives through his ministry and passion for mentoring and assisting college students. While he will be missed, the standard he set and the legacy he left behind will continue.