Obituary for Glenford Wilbur Barnes
MAY 9, 1943 – AUGUST 6, 2024
As the sun began to break the darkness on the rainy and windy morning of August 6, 2024, the winds of God ushered the spirit of Rev. Glen Barnes into Heaven.
Glen was born on May 9, 1943 in Binghamton, New York. In 1961 he graduated high school and went on to earn a degree in Religious Education from Practical Bible Training School in Johnson City, New York. It was during this time Glen met the love of his life, Mary Louise Kenneson and they married on August 9, 1969.
Glen was ordained into ministry in 1988 with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Glen and Mary’s love was a testament to their deep abiding faith, as was evident in their nightly prayers, serving as a pastoral couple for 28 years. Pastor Glen and Mary gave themselves to the church, family, friends, and community. None more than God. Even after he “retired” from serving as lead pastor, he served as the hands and feet of Jesus for 14 years in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as a Detention Support Specialist, where he was recognized for his loyal and dedicated service. He also volunteered with Youth for Christ Juvenile Jail Ministries.
Glen is survived by his loving wife of almost 55 years, Mary Louise (Kenneson) Barnes; daughter Debby (Barnes) Gerl and her husband Mark, grandsons Nathan Gerl and Daniel Gerl, step-sister Linda Johnson and her family, half brothers Michael Barnes, David Barnes and their families, half sister Patti Barnes and her family, as well as several nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his biological mother and father, Mae and Wilbur Barnes, step mother Lina Barnes, adoptive mother and father Anna and Arthur Faulkner, two brothers, and three sisters.
A memorial service is being held on Friday, August 30th, at 6:00 p.m. at Winter Haven Nazarene Church. Contributions in Glen’s memory may be made to Winter Haven Nazarene Church or Youth for Christ
