Bennie Barnes

Bennie Barnes, born March 1, 1946, passed away on September 10, 2016.  Survived by loving wife of 48 years, Joan Barnes (Nee Portwood), beloved children Steven (Julie) Barnes and David (Tabitha) Barnes, dear siblings Benneva (The late Thomas) Sroufe, Wayne (Shirley) Barnes, Jim (Janet) Barnes, Michael (Susie) Barnes, Dennis (Janette) Barnes, cherished grandchildren Andrew, Ashley, and Austin, and many nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by dear parents Charles and Geneva Barnes and beloved siblings Ronnie (Valerie) Barnes, Kathy (Pearl) Crawford, Mark Barnes, Jeffrey Barnes, Herschel Barnes, and Tammy Barnes.  Bennie was an Army Veteran, and a well-respected member of the HVAC community.  In recent years, Bennie has been especially busy working with SkillsUSA.  The skills is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry, working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.   He spent many hours volunteering and going to Columbus each year in the capacity of a judge and then on to national level as a judge.  He was always willing to spend time with students spent many hours volunteering when needed.  He never hesitated when called to go out to give a helping hand when needed.  Bennie was a recipient of the Theoret-Curley Award.  He was the director of Training for Habegger Carrier division in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.  The Theoret Curley Award is the highest honor and award for training. This award is named on behalf of Richard Theoret who is a longtime and well respected Carrier Corp.  If a student got the chance to sit in one of Bennie's classes, they would see that he was a tireless provider of excellent training to the dealers of the corporation.  Bennie was also ver instrumental in working with the local Vocational Schools and ensuring they had the technology available to their students to enhance their learning. He was someone that could be counted on to take care of anything necessary to better the students, dealers, and company. Family of Bennie will be receiving friends for a visitation at Shorten and Ryan Funeral Home-Mason (400 Reading Road, Mason, OH 45040) on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM with a funeral service to follow on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 beginning at 10:00 AM at Shorten and Ryan Funeral Home-Mason.