Dan L. Barnes passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at his home in Springfield, MO on Wednesday, October 27 ^th , 2021.

Dan was born in Webb City, MO to Betty and Ralph Barnes on November 28 ^th , 1950.  He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, Jim and Mary Ward, as well as his brother-in-law, Tom Ward.  He is survived by the love of his life and best friend, Marilyn Barnes, who was a strong advocate for his care for over five years.  He is also survived by his adoring daughter, Andrea Taylor, and his son-in-law, Lonnie Taylor, of Springfield, as well as his brother, Robert Barnes of Tulsa, OK, and his sister and brother-in-law, April Meadows and Michael Meadows and their sons, Grey and Cole of Tulsa, OK.  He also leaves behind sisters-in-law, Linda Davis and Nancy Weems, who were deeply involved with his care in recent years, as well as Jamie Walker; in addition, his life was enriched by many nieces and nephews, whom he loved and was very proud of.

Dan graduated from Parkview High School and Drury College. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Kay Ward on February 16, 1973.  He was owner and manager of Springfield Warehouse and Transfer Company (an agent for United Van Lines) for 20 years. During the time Dan owned Springfield Warehouse and Transfer Co. he planned and managed the move of the entire Smith Glynn Calloway Clinic from Glenstone to it's current location on National. This involved the relocation of 700 offices and exam rooms into a 157,000 square foot building. What made this move so difficult and the planning so critical was it had to be done in 48 hours. It made national news in the moving industry. In subsequent years, his career focused on insurance and trucking. While Dan worked for Prime Trucking he started and managed the telemarketing department. In this position Dan was responsible for over five million dollars in sales every year.  Dan loved people and never met a stranger; he was especially gifted at encouraging people to find their potential.  He did this by serving as the President of the Springfield Jaycees, serving on the Board of Lake's Country Rehabilitation and the Lion's Club, and teaching Dale Carnegie courses.

Dan was an avid reader, movie-goer, black belt in Hap Ki Do, and lover of all things Apple Inc.  He enjoyed driving all over the United States and seeing new parts of the country that he loved.

His primary focus and joy in life was serving his Savior, Jesus Christ.  Dan served as Elder at Walnut Lawn Church of Christ, where he loved teaching the High School class and interacting with young people.  Laughter was often heard coming out of his classroom.  In recent years, he was a member of East Sunshine Church of Christ.

His final arrangements are being handled by Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  A celebration of his life will be held at East Sunshine Church of Christ on Saturday, November, 6 ^th 2021.   Visitation will be at 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m.  Address: 3721 E. Sunshine St, Springfield, MO, 65809.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heart of Christ Justice Project, who works to protect women and children who suffer violence in Honduras.  Donate online at: heartofchrist.kindful.com.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to his wonderful nurses at Fresenius Kidney Care who Dan and Marilyn grew to love (Debbie, Andi, and Jula).  A special thanks goes to Dan's excellent physical therapists (Will and Cody), who always encouraged him and gave him hope; appreciation is also extended to the compassionate caregivers at Good Shepherd Hospice. Finally, the difficulty of the last few weeks was eased by the help of Dan's private caregiver, Natalie.