Thursday, March 28, 2024

James Edward “Mush” Barnes – Obituary

James Edward “Mush” Barnes, 86, passed away at 9:10 a.m. Friday, March 25, 2016, in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion.

Mush was born April 17, 1929, in Olmsted.  He was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Olmsted.  Mush was a U.S. Army Veteran, a member of the American Legion Post 178 in Villa Ridge, the VFW Post 8891 in Mounds and the Operating Engineers Local 318 in Marion.  While employed with Operating Engineers 318, “Mush” was a heavy equipment operator driving machines such as Yuoks and Caterpillars.  He was involved in building local levees, roads and many ponds in the Southern Illinois area.  One of his highlights was “hosting the deer camp” on his farm, which he did for many years.  There might be as many as 100 hunters there for the cooking and story telling.  He enjoyed going out West on the big Elk Hunt.  Mush is also rembered for his love of and craving for Pepsi.  He was able to enjoy it till the day before his passing.  Special thanks from his family for the excellent care he received at the VA Center in Marion.

Mush is survived by one sister, Mary Hannan of Olmsted; 19 nieces and nephews; numerous great and great-great-nieces and nephews; and one sister-in-law, Peggy Barnes of Olmsted.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hal J. and Hildagard Eiselmeier Barnes; four brothers, Gilbert, Bob, Steve and Gerald Barnes.

Services for Mr. James Edward “Mush’ Barnes will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday in St. Luke Lutheran Church in Olmsted.  Pastor Paul Donner and Pastor Jim Rivett will be officiating.

Burial will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Olmsted with full Military Honors accorded by the Illinois National Guard Funeral Detail Team and by area veterans.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

Pallbearers serving will be George Barnes, Roger Barnes, Xavier Hannan, Richard Barnes, Willis Lance and Zachary Hannan.

To leave an online message for the family or to share a memory, please visit our website at www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com