CASWELL – Garald F. Barnes, 78, passed away Thursday morning, Aug. 4, 2011, at a Caribou health care facility, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 10, 1933, in Caswell, the son of Harold O. “Jake” and Louise E. (Duplisea) Barnes.
He received his elementary education in Caswell and was a graduate of Limestone High School, class of 1952. He was married to Dawn B. Foss Aug. 10, 1957; she passed away Dec. 3, 1989. Garald was married once again to F. Virginia “Ginny” Farrell Nov. 26, 1991; she predeceased him June 5, 2009. Mr. Barnes was employed as a laborer and foreman for Lane Construction Corp., Calais, for more than 25 years and in Bangor for more than 20 years, retiring from Lane Construction Corp., Presque Isle, in 2001. He continued to work for Reg and Brent Edgecomb Farms, Limestone and Caswell, until this year. Garald was a member of the former Caswell Methodist Church and was most recently a member of Limestone United Methodist Church, where he was active in church affairs and activities.
In addition to his parents, Garald was predeceased by both wives, Dawn F. Barnes and F. Virginia Barnes; one son, Michael S. Barnes, in 1959; one brother, Milton “Mickey” Barnes; and one sister, Winnifred “Winnie” Van Gelder. He is survived by one son, Brian H. Barnes and his companion, Julie Hicks, of Homestead, Fla.; two daughters, Susan J. Barnes of Hookset, N.H., and Beth Tilmont and her husband, Scott; his son, Eric of Limestone; two stepsons, Eddie Farrell and his wife, Vicki, of Calais and John Farrell and his wife, Lois, of Princeton and their families; one stepdaughter, Linda Cropley and her husband, Omar, and family of Danforth; numerous nieces and nephews, stepgrandchildren and great-stepgrandchildren. He also leaves behind several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; as well as special family friend, Crystal Coleman of Chicago.
Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield. The funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, at Limestone United Methodist Church, Main Street, Limestone, with the Pastor Ellen Cleaves officiating. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments will be held in the church reception area immediately after the service. A service of committal for Garald and his sister, Winnifred “Winnie” Van Gelder, will be conducted 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Webster Cemetery, Ward Road, Limestone. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. Barnes to the Dawn F. Barnes Memorial Scholarship Fund, care of Mrs. Beth Tilmont, 15 Pleasant St., Limestone, ME 04750 or Limestone United Methodist Church, 2 Burleigh St., Limestone, ME 04750. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.