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
Ed and Linda Sinclair says:
November 13, 2019
Have GREAT memories of David growing up in First Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C. Bob and Betty Barnes are still active in the church and we see them frequently. David was active in the church while growing up and participated in all the activities.
We hated to hear of David’s passing, but our Lord has other plans for him. Our prayers go out to David’s family and the people that surrounded him especially during these few days.
Ed and Linda Sinclair, Concord, N.C.
Jeanne Newhart says:
November 22, 2019
Dear Betty and Bob Barnes and family,
I was so sorry hear about the loss of your son, Dr. David Barnes on the 26th of October, 2019. I worked with
you, Betty Jo Barnes, at The Charlotte Observer many years ago and you always talked so highly of both of your children. You were so proud of them and their accomplishments along the way. I could always tell that Betty Jo was a fine Christian person. That Christian example carried over to David and Donna as well. I am so thankful for have known Betty Jo Barnes because she always talked about her loving family. I am so sorry for the loss of your son.
Claudette Alley Crowder says:
November 30, 2019
Dear Barnes family,
I was heartbroken to learn about David’s passing. What a special person he was – his smile and laughter made our youth group at First Baptist a lot of fun! I am so very sorry for your loss. It was a blessing to know David and you are all in my prayers.
Bob and Betty Jo Barnes says:
December 3, 2019
To everyone I want to thank you for all of your kindness shown to our entire family the passing of our precious David he was a man of God, a good son, husband, father, brother he loved everyone, we are all thankful for all of you, please keep us in your prayers
In Christ and Love
Bob and Betty Jo Barnes
Betty Jo Barnes says:
December 3, 2019
Dear Jeanne
Thank you for your kind words remembering me from yeas ago at The charlotte Observer I remenber you as a very kind and nice person, continue praying for all of us, greatly appreciated. Betty Jo
Paul S Wilson says:
December 18, 2019
I just learned of David’s passing from BettyJo. I am deeply sorry for his loss. He is with his Lord and Saviour now. That may come as a comfort for all his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.