Walter Lee Barnes, was born on July 9, 1947 in Tillar, Arkansas to the union of Walter and Sam Ella Barnes. He was a member of New St. Paul Primitives Baptist Church in East St. Louis, Illinois for eleven years where he faithfully served as a deacon, under the leadership of Elder Robert Johnson, until his death. He was proceeded in death by his parents, two brothers (Joseph and Willie James), and two sisters (Johnnie and Connie). Walter attended the public school system in Arkansas and graduated from Merrill Senior High where he played football. After graduation, he moved to St. Louis to find work. He was hired by General Motors two weeks before being drafted into the United States Army. After serving a two year tour of duty in Vietnam, he received an honorable discharge and was able to return to General Motors. He worked in various positions while at the plant and retired after 32 years of service due to ill health. He was a wonderful father to two daughters, Debbie and Crystal. He was an excellent husband to Kim, his wife of 21 years. That union produced his third daughter, Snowbia. He was happy to be dad at 46. Walter was a very caring and compassionate father and husband. He was trusting, dependable, down to earth, loving, generous, and inspiring. People liked him right away. Even though he was ill, he was a trooper. He was always positive, never complained, and kept on pushing through many difficult times with his health. Walter was a very spiritual man. He loved the Lord, his church, and church family. He would attended church sick or well on his blue scooter. Everyone knew to get out of the way when he beeped his horn. Some of his passions were watching the Food Network where Paula Dean was his favorite chef. He would get on his scooter and do what he called "Comparison Shopping." He found the best deals that way. He also loved to cook on his grill. He leaves to cherish his memory: Kim (wife); daughters (Debbie, Crystal, and Snowbia); three sisters (Katherine, Ella, and Gloria); four brothers (Robert/Betty, John Edward/Vernell, Leroy/Deolia, and Fred/Nancy; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his favorite aunt (Willie Best); in-laws (Willis/Snowbia Fuller); sister-in-law (Sharon Fuller); and a host of uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Walter Barnes. You are invited to add a Tribute in his memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.