Paul Leland Barnes, 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Tullahoma on Jan. 28, 2024.

Paul was born to the late Russell and Esther (Newberry) Barnes on June 1, 1930 in Kahoka, MO. Paul began working for the Signal Department of the Santa Fe Railway at 19 years of age. A series of promotions took him from Ft Madison, IA, to La Junta, CO, and finally to Albuquerque, N.M. He retired after a 43-year career as Signal Supervisor for the Southwest Division of the Atchinson, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Company. Upon retirement, Paul and Beverly relocated to Tennessee to be close to their youngest grandchildren. With a love for the outdoors, he enjoyed camping, fishing, and gardening along with being an avid reader with an affinity for mysteries and westerns. He remained active for many of his retired years volunteering and serving at the First United Methodist Church, the Henry Center, and the Tullahoma and Coffee County Election Commission.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Beverly Barnes; his companion of over 20 years, Alberta Ledford; his daughter, Paula Ayers; a son, Greg Barnes; a daughter-in-law, Frances Barnes; a grandson, Joey Hartley; two great-grandsons, Caden Barnes and Jasper Cross; as well as two brothers Russell Barnes, Jr. and Donal Barnes and sister, Shirley Leedom.

He is survived by two sons, Mark (Valeri) Barnes of Glendale, AZ and Dana Barnes of Cheyenne Wells, CO; a daughter, Cheryl (Mike) Stevens of Winchester; a son-in-law, Gene Ayers of Coldwater, MS; nine grandchildren, James Hartley, Chattanooga; Lora (Cliff Ford) Hartley, Knoxville; Robert (Katie) Barnes, Wichita KS; Missy Borgstedt, Glendale, AZ; Matthew (Ashley) Barnes, Pueblo West, CO; Kendal (Greg) Merrill, Chattanooga; Jason (Elizabeth) Cross, Old Hickory,; Dylan (Taron) Cross, Sumter, S.C; Josie Duarte, Barstow, CA; and 15 great-grandchildren, Rosalie, Alex, Kristine, Mandy, Payton, Arron, Landen, Amaya, Caleb, Kahlan, Cassidy, Harper, Nolan, Luciana, Amelia; and three siblings, John Barnes (Marlene), IA, Thomas Barnes (Connie), MO, and Mary Harper, MO.

The family would like to give special recognition to the Ledford family: Larry, Pam, Gary, Denise, Kristie, and their children for years of love and support to Dad, whom they affectionately called “Mr. Paul”; to his neighbor and friend, Annie Rodrigues; and to the Morning Pointe of Tullahoma staff.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24 at Kilgore Funeral Home from 2 -3:30 p.m. with a memorial service to immediately follow at 3:30 p.m. Burial of ashes will be in La Junta, Colorado at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the All American Dachshund Rescue, Shelbyville, TN.

Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – Feb. 21, 2024