Vernon Barnes

Vernon Barnes, a long-time resident of Arco passed away on January 31, 2022, at Idaho Falls Community Hospital at the ripe old age of 88. He had been residing at Lincoln Court assisted living center since the passing of his wife of 61 years, Marva Barnes almost four years ago. He was born September 4, 1933, in Evanston, Wyoming to Joseph and Pearl (Hallett) Barnes. He was the youngest of nine children. He grew up in Evanston and graduated high school in 1952 where he played football and worked at his brother’s truck stop. He would talk about having to clean the chicken coup every Saturday and how he was sure there were over a thousand chickens. He said one time he tried to put something in their water to poison them, but his mom just laughed at him. He also enjoyed hunting deer and elk with his brothers and friends.

Vernon joined the United States Air Force in July shortly after graduation. He was a tail-gunner on the B-29 Superfortress and ultimately the B-36 Peacemaker bomber assigned to the 717th Bomb Squadron, 28th Bomb Wing as part of the Strategic Air Command during the Korean War. They were stationed out of Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota. He loved to fly and flew many missions around the world with deployments to Alaska and Guam to name a few. One of the stories he told was being in one of Jimmy Stewart’s movies as an extra and was always trying to point out where he was in the film to his children. He received an honorable discharge in 1956.

In April 1957, he married Marva Dean Young. They lived in Evanston for a couple of years while Vernon worked at various jobs. It was there that their first, and best-looking son Scott was born. They later moved to Laramie, Wyoming where he attended the University of Wyoming majoring in microbiology. He always said his favorite football team was Wyoming and whoever was playing against BYU. While in Laramie, their second and smartest son, Craig was born.

Vernon took employment at Thiokol north of Ogden for a short time. After which he accepted employment at what is now called the Idaho National Laboratory. He spent over thirty years working at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant heavily involved in the shift labs and fuel storage water treatment. He enjoyed the friendships he made there. While working at the Chem Plant they lived in Chubbuck, Blackfoot, finally settling in Arco where they lived for 50 years.

He spent time with his family backpacking, camping, hunting, (particularly bow hunting), and fishing. He enjoyed flying model airplanes and for a time was part owner of two “real” single-engine planes. He was artistic by nature dabbling in woodworking, painting, and drawing. At one time the pirate logo on the high school gym floor was an example of his handy work. He loved tying his own flies, or if asked he would happily tie a few for family and friends. Dad was a devoted father who worked with his boys to help them in their efforts to play baseball, football, basketball, and yes even tie flies. He attended all their games and actively supported them. He worked behind the scenes in several of Marva’s community plays and church projects, never wanting to be in the limelight or getting credit but helping her where he could. He enjoyed working in the Grid Kids football program for several years. He assisted with the football field lighting upgrade project actively seeking support and contributions for the project in the late ’70s, early ‘80s. Vernon was heavily involved with designing and building the pavilion and display area for the Sail from the USS Hawkbill (SSN-666) working alongside many others from the community.

He is survived by both of his sons: Scott (Teresa) of Menan, Idaho and Craig (Camila) of Santiago, Chile; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his lovely wife, both parents, all eight of his siblings and their spouses, and one daughter-in-law.

There will be a short celebration of his life at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 1st Street, Idaho Falls, Friday, February 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., the family will visit with friends one hour prior to services. Interment will be at Annis Little Butte Cemetery with a military tribute. Services will be broadcasted live at facebook.com/coltrinmortuary. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.