Thomas W. Barnes, 89, of Sandy Lake Township, Polk, passed away at 1:25 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2014, in Sugar Creek Station, Franklin, after a brief illness.

Born March 26, 1925, in Sandy Lake Township, he was the son of Alexander and Margaret Ellen Barnes.

He was a 1943 graduate of the former Sandy Lake High School.

In his early years, Tom worked at the Sandy Lake Mills and also worked road construction for the Foster Grading Company of Jackson Center when they were building Interstate 79.

His real life’s work was being a dairy farmer on the farm where he was born and raised. He loved working the farm and loved to garden and work in his greenhouse and shared much of what he grew with friends and neighbors.

Tom loved his animals, especially his Jack Russell Terriers, German Shepherds and Border Collies he had over the years.

He was well known for his 4th of July celebrations at the farm for friends and family, which always included fireworks.

He loved taking the grandchildren for rides on the golf cart.

His wife, the former Agnes W. Zimmer, whom he married Oct. 19, 1954, preceded him in death Jan. 31, 1998.

He is survived by a daughter, Susan L. Barnes and her husband Rodger Owens of Franklin; a son, Gregory T. Barnes and his wife JoAnne of Mercer; three grandchildren, Heather DeLorenzo and her husband Jeff, Dana Barnes and Alex Barnes; four great-grandchildren, Tyler and Alaina DeLorenzo, Dylan Barnes and Brady Ellenberger, all Mercer; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Janet E. Frost.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday in the Scott A. Black Funeral Home, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro.

The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home with the Rev. Susan M. Hoover, pastor, Methodists United In Faith, officiating.

Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Sandy Lake Township.

Memorial contributions may be made Lakeview Area Meals on Wheels, PO Box 548, Stoneboro, 16153.