Ira Donald Barnes, 92 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away at his son’s home in Tucumcari, NM on Saturday, October 24, 2020. Donald was born June 30, 1928 in Capulin, NM to the home of Pete and Alta (Brasuel) Barnes. He grew up on a farm 3 miles east of Capulin. Donald attended elementary school in Capulin, middle school and some high school in Des Moines, NM and graduated from Raton High High School. Donald married Leah Mae Byrd at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Raton, NM on June 12, 1949.
Donald started as a Dispatcher Driver for Harris Truck Lines, operated a hardware store in Des Moines, and worked for the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department until his retirement. He served in the NM Guard during World War II, and was a life member of BPO Elks.
Donald and Leah made their home in Raton until 1984 when they made Fort Sumner their retirement home. Following the death of Leah in 2017, Donald moved to Tucumcari with his son Mike.
Donald enjoyed hunting arrowheads, gourd art, and farming. He served as an auctioneer for many years, a rodeo announcer, and announced the horse races at La Mesa Park in Raton.
He is preceded in death by his wife Leah Mae Byrd Barnes on April 3, 2017, his father Pete Barnes in 1974, and mother Alta Barnes in 1979, five sisters Lois Nicholson, Bonnie Houston, Frances Lunders, Nellie Hennigan, and an infant sister Ila Barnes, three brothers H.T. Barnes, Joe Barnes, and Bill Barnes.
Donald is survived by one sister Lula Jim “Judy” Rhoads, five daughters Miriam Harrison (Timo) of Albuquerque, Donna Taylor (Charlie) of Fort Sumner, Denise McElroy (John) of Las Cruces, Betty Clune (Gary) of Palm Harbor, Florida, and Carol Rendon (Arnold Vialpando) of Brighton, Colorado, and one son Michael Barnes (Jody) of Tucumcari. Other survivors include 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren along with a host of other relatives and many friends.
A graveside service officiated by Daryl Dirks will be held at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include grandsons, Donald Harrison, Travis Barnes, Casey McElroy, Marco Trujillo, Jacob Trujillo, and Robert Ray Clune. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Social Distancing guidelines, services are limited to the immediate family. Face covering is required.
We ask that your keep Donald and his family in your prayers. You may leave a tribute, share a favorite memory, or sign the online guestbook at www.chavezfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.
I worked with Don on the MN Highway Department several times he was a very nice man. Condolences to his family.
RIP Don.