Buddy J. Barnes, 87, of Madison passed away Tuesday. He was born in Rock Island, Illinois to Earl James Barnes and Mary Vina McManus Barnes on November 7, 1934.

Buddy was very active in church and devoted to doing things for other people. He and Ruth created a children’s service in their church, writing scripts and making puppets to convey the week’s message. Buddy worked as a handyman for elderly church members and drove the church bus for many years. An avid woodworker, he spent many hours in his shop making gifts for his friends and family. Buddy will be truly missed as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and member of his church and community.

Buddy is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margie Hopkins; daughters, Edith Geer and Patricia Barnes; and grandson, Jeremy O’Bar.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Barnes; sister, Marie Lovett; daughters, Wylene Janzen, June O’Bar, and Janine Schuman; 11 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 22, 2020, at Valhalla Memory Gardens with Pastor Andrew Record officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.