Benny B. Barnes

Benny B. Barnes Sr., 69, of Sioux City died Wednesday February 4th in Sioux City following an accident. Memorial services will be 1pm Wednesday at Community United Methodist Church in Sergeant Bluff with Pastors Bob Rasmussen and Tim Rieckhoff-Faris officiating with a luncheon to follow. The body was cremated. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Benny was born March 6th, 1945, in Sioux City, the son of Lowell and Parlee Barnes. He married Joyce M. Barnes on March 29th, 1968 in Tekamah, NE. He was roofer for most of his career, but also worked at some local packing houses throughout the years. In his spare time he wrote his own songs and played live music for several years at just about every Sioux City establishment. He was the lead singer in the local band, Sundown in the 70's before forming his own group, The Benny Barnes Band. He was a big fan of gospel music and loved singing traditional hymns. Benny volunteered countless hours of his time playing music for the elderly in Siouxland nursing homes and even received an award from the governor for his service. He was well known for his great sense of humor and his ability to bring a smile to so many people's faces. He loved children and had a unique gift of being able to entertain them with jokes and by clowning around. Benny had a magnetic personality and was able to make friends with strangers in a very short time. He was loved by the community and will be sorely missed. Survivors include his sons, Travis Barnes and Benny Barnes Jr; a brother, Milton Barnes; three sisters, Nettie, Amelia, and Noreen; three granddaughters, Raquel, Aubree, and Kristen; his girlfriend, Dawn Harmes. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; his son, Lance; and his siblings, Evelyn, Leo, Thelta, Jerry and Jack.