Richard C. Barnes (Rick), age 82, passed away, Sunday, May 22, 2022.
Rick had an infectious laugh and smile known to all and the ability to never meet a stranger. His loyalty to friends and family, service to community, and zest for life separate him from all the rest.
The son of Ina B. Barnes and B.F. Barnes, Rick was born in Gorman, Texas on January 14, 1940. He grew up in Comanche County, Texas (Comyn and DeLeon). Rick received his BBA from the University of Texas at Austin. Rick was an avid supporter of his alma mater; he loved Texas sports; and he was subscriber to The Longhorn Network.
Politics were Rick’s passion. After graduating, he worked for the Texas Department of Health in Austin and USFG in Dallas. In 1968, he left Texas and moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the Small Business Administration. He later worked tirelessly as a staff member on the House Banking Committee and as the Executive Director of Legislation and National Security Subcommittee of the House Government Operations Committee.
After retiring from 20 years of service with the U.S. Government, Rick helped found the Independent Bank in Manassas, Virginia, which expanded to another location in Woodbridge. Rick was a founding partner and served as managing director of the Independent Associates. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors of the Wright Patman Credit Union.
Rick’s family was the center of his world. Rick is survived by his wife, Sharon, to whom he was a loving husband for more than 55 years, two sons, Jeffrey and Tim of Alexandria, and his brother Ben Barnes of Austin, Texas, nephew, Greg, and nieces Amy, Elena, and Blaire.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Donations can be made to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Department of Cardiology P.O. Box 4486 Houston, Texas 77210-4486, or mdanderson.org/gifts.
Soft and Safe to you my friend be thy resting place, Bright and Glorious be thy rising from it!
You will be sorely missed, Mr. Barnes. Thank you for the many years that you opened your doors to me – always including me into the family, never batting an eye when I’d raid the kitchen cabinets. I’ll never forget your beautiful, mischievous smile, nor the twinkle in your eye. Peace be with you forever & ever.
With love, Frances