Merle E. Barnes, 83, of Harrisville, was stricken and passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024 at the home of his daughter on State Route 812, Harrisville.

Merle was born on January 13,1941 in Corning, the son of the late Fred and Erma (White) Barnes. He attended school in the Corning area. He served in the Navy from December of 1958 until his honorable discharge in December of 1961. He married the former Jeannette M. Stenoski on April 8,1962 in West Carthage. He was employed at Corning Glass for many years before his employment at Camp Drum as a painter. He retired from Fort Drum in 1995. His wife, Jeannette passed away on January 22, 2015.

He was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially camping and around a campfire.

He is survived by two daughters: Janette (Jeffrey) Doyle of Harrisville and Rebecca (Robin) Graves of Natural Bridge and one son: Lawrence Barnes and Shannon Rogers of Natural Bridge, two brothers: Ross (Nancy) Barnes of South Carolina and Floyd (Mae) Barnes of Lodi, NY, 16 Grandchildren and several Great Grandchildren and one great great grandson. He is predeceased by a daughter, Marion May Foutes and a stepdaughter, Dawn Guss, three brothers, Jack, Darrel and Gary Barnes and a sister Emily Rigby.

In keeping with his wishes there will be no public calling hours. The family will be celebrating his life privately. Arrangements are with the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, Carthage. To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.