Gerald “Wayne” Barnes, age 82, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 5:45 a.m.

Wayne was born June 24, 1944, in Bois D’Arc, Missouri, to Walter and Myrtle (Denman) Barnes.

Wayne married Marilynn (Cunningham) Helf on October 11, 1990. Marilynn introduced Wayne to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he was baptized that same year. He was a member of the Ingram Mill Ward.

Wayne worked for General Electric for more than 30 years before retiring. He was a quiet and gentle man with a kind and patient nature. He appreciated vintage cars, enjoyed learning about his family’s history through Marilynn’s genealogy research, and had a deep love and gratitude for his country. He was deeply committed to his family and devoted to his faith.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Myrtle (Denman) Barnes; his brother, Dennis Barnes; his sisters, Blanche Barnes and Shirley (Barnes) Gott; his son-in-law, Joshua “Jay” Cave; and other beloved family members.

He is survived by his wife, Marilynn Barnes of Springfield, MO; daughter, Kelly (Barnes) Cave of Springfield, MO; sons, James Barnes of Springfield, MO, and Bryan Barnes of Denver, CO; stepchildren, Raquel (Kenney) Solomon-Gross of Las Vegas, NV, Rachel (Mike) Schick and Jason (Stephanie) Helf of Juneau, AK, Kara (John) Tinklepaugh of Monett, MO, and Jenna Helf of Denver, CO; sister, Sue Anderson of Springfield, MO; brother, David (Bettie) Barnes of Springfield, MO; and 19 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1357 South Ingram Mill Road, Springfield, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m.