Russell Edward Barnes, a beloved father and cherished family member, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, in St. Paul. Dad was loved by family, friends and the occasional stranded driver on U.S. 400 east of Neosho River.
Russell was born in Columbus on May 12, 1929, to James Noah Calvin and Rose Annie Barnes and was one of five children. He had no surviving siblings.
Russell was a very good father to his four children: Steve Barnes, Patti Rogstad, Kathy DeWitt and Pam Barnes. He married Vivian Laureen Kutz in 1950, who passed away in 2015. His family was important to him and was always there when one of them needed help, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments and happiness. Russell’s legacy is carried on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and Better Built by Barnes, which has constructed storage buildings that are scattered all over the four-state area. It’s hard to run into someone who does not have one or knows someone who has one.
In addition to his children, Russell is survived by his older brother’s daughters, Lynn Barnes and Linda Barnes, who shared many cherished moments and memories with him.
Russell led a colorful and interesting life. He was one of the last railroaders to work on steam engines, working for the Katy Railroad and later the Union Pacific Railroad. He started the Better Built portable storage building business long before they became popular and was known for creating high-quality buildings. His work ethic was shaped by growing up during the Great Depression, and it showed throughout his life in many ways, working in the fields when he was 5 years old, dusk to dawn every day. He also raised cattle and harvested pecans every year on his pecan grove at the Neosho River. He was a licensed electrician and remodeled and built houses in Parsons. He built his first house in northwest Parsons in the early 1960s entirely by himself and without use of any power tools.
Work was tremendously important to him, and he was at it every single day of the week up until his early 90s. Work was what he loved along with Russell Shuffles at his cabin on the river, Old Charter and the Elks Club. He will be missed.
Russell’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of his family and friends, but his memory will live on through the stories and love he shared. As they gather to celebrate his life, they find comfort in the knowledge that he is now at peace.
A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home with the Rev. Jennifer Dawson officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to the Proud Animal Lovers Shelter or to Elks Lodge No. 527 of Parsons. These may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online condolences at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
