Paul David Barnes

With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to a beloved soul whose life was a testament to kindness, generosity, and unwavering humility.  Paul David Barnes, 74, of Williamsport, OH passed away on July 31, 2023 at home surrounded by his family after an extended illness.  Paul was born to Robert Owen and Margaret Barnes on January 23, 1949 in Westerville, Ohio and was the sixth of seven children.  In March of 1980, Paul met the love of his life after being set-up by his sister Sarah.  Six days from that first date on the farm, he asked Susan Kay Phillips to marry him, and she said yes.  Their August 2, 1980 marriage, just shy of 43 years, was blessed with four children, nine grandchildren, lots of travels, laughter, sporting events, and family dinners.  Paul is survived by his wife, Susan, their four children: Adam Philip, Wesley Owen (Katie), Rachel Eileen (Zac) Holmes of Cody, WY and Perry Albert (Lindsay).  Also surviving are nine grandchildren: Makayla Anne, Henry Daniel, Eliza Rachel, Paul Chrismer, Caleb Sylvester, William Thomas, Oliver David, Lucy Kay and Alexandria Jane; brothers Tom (Karla) and Bob (Jan); sisters: Ruth (Nathan) Wilson and Sarah; brother-in-law Wilson Lehman and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Virginia Lehman and Anne Packer, brother-in-law Walter Packer and in-laws Albert and Eileen Phillips.  Paul graduated from Westfall High School in 1967 and attended Otterbein College for two years.  He was a devoted parishioner of the Williamsport United Methodist Church his entire life, serving as a trustee, singing in the choir, volunteering for the food pantry, work days and maintenance projects.  He and Susan were also active in the Westfall Athletic Boosters.  Paul dedicated his life to farming with family.  Milking dairy cows (his favorite) at a young age, raising various livestock, planting and harvesting crops and keeping machinery running all contributed to his passion and love of farm life.  He will be remembered for endless patience, easy-going demeanor and his loyalty to family.  As we mourn the loss of Paul, let us take solace in knowing that his legacy will live on in the hearts of those that knew him.  His memory can be honored by continuing the tradition of kindness and selflessness that he so gracefully embodied.  May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the very love and beauty he so effortlessly brought us all.  The family is grateful for the extraordinary and loving care provided by the ProMedica Hospice Team, especially Teresa, Leslie, Cappy and Tabby.  Cremation has taken place by arrangement with the Wellman Funeral Home, Circleville.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of Williamsport United Methodist Church, 108 Church Street, Williamsport, Ohio 43164.  This will be followed by a time of enjoying some of Paul’s favorite coffee and desserts.  Memorial contributions for a tree to be planted in Paul’s memory at the Williamsport Park/Community Square can be made to: Wil-Deer Rec Board C/o Barnes Memorial Tree, 23490 Chillicothe Pike, Williamsport, Ohio 43164.  Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.