Obituary for Roger Anthony Barnes
Roger Anthony Barnes, Sr. was born in Washington, D.C. on August 14, 1951 to the late Shelby Barnes, Sr. and Frances (Hamilton) Barnes. Roger departed his earthly life peacefully in his family home on July 24, 2022 with his devoted wife, Michelle by his side.
Roger grew up in Old Bowie. He graduated from Bowie High School in 1969. Shortly after, he entered trade school which afforded him a career as an electrician. He was a lifelong member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 26. Roger was known by friends and family as a master electrician and a Jack of all trades, stepping in to build or fix anything in need of repair. Roger loved helping others with various projects and could be counted on day or night whenever there was a need. He was a community activist and strived to increase community opportunities for his fellow neighbors in Bowie and Old Bowie. Roger was also an active member of the Knights of St. John, Ascension Commandery 283, Inc.
When Roger’s children were young, he took pride in coaching them in basketball, soccer, softball, baseball and football. His competitiveness and knowledge of sports made a lasting impact, not only on his own children, but countless others that he coached and mentored. He loved sports and was a devoted coach for over 40 years. Coach Barnes was intense! His passion was evident, as he motivated his teams to excel beyond what they might have imagined possible. His leadership and advocacy for youth led many in a better direction.
Roger’s grandchildren were his true pride and joy. Affectionately known as “Pop,” he was very present in the lives of all of his grands. He enjoyed introducing them to sports, helping them with homework, and teaching them about life. He happily attended numerous school events, dance recitals, cheerleading competitions, sports games, and graduations. He loved taking them to parks, carnivals, and out for ice cream. He was the best tickler! He enjoyed beach vacations and building sand castles with his grandchildren. Roger was happiest when he was around his family and could often be found with a video camera in hand, capturing memories of his loved ones.
Over the years Roger developed an interest in DJ’ing. He loved music and would DJ various family events and reunions. He and his wife (later in life his son) also enjoyed bowling together. He was a member of the IBEW Local Union 26 bowling league for many years.
Roger was preceded in death by his older brother, Shelby Barnes, Sr. He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle (Henson) Barnes; four children, Sonia Barnes-Bocoum (Hamidou), Roger Barnes, Jr., JaLandra Green (Carter), and Monica Barnes; younger brother Gerald Barnes; thirteen grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Roger leaves a host of other relatives and friends and he will be truly missed.
Roger grew up in Old Bowie. He graduated from Bowie High School in 1969. Shortly after, he entered trade school which afforded him a career as an electrician. He was a lifelong member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 26. Roger was known by friends and family as a master electrician and a Jack of all trades, stepping in to build or fix anything in need of repair. Roger loved helping others with various projects and could be counted on day or night whenever there was a need. He was a community activist and strived to increase community opportunities for his fellow neighbors in Bowie and Old Bowie. Roger was also an active member of the Knights of St. John, Ascension Commandery 283, Inc.
When Roger’s children were young, he took pride in coaching them in basketball, soccer, softball, baseball and football. His competitiveness and knowledge of sports made a lasting impact, not only on his own children, but countless others that he coached and mentored. He loved sports and was a devoted coach for over 40 years. Coach Barnes was intense! His passion was evident, as he motivated his teams to excel beyond what they might have imagined possible. His leadership and advocacy for youth led many in a better direction.
Roger’s grandchildren were his true pride and joy. Affectionately known as “Pop,” he was very present in the lives of all of his grands. He enjoyed introducing them to sports, helping them with homework, and teaching them about life. He happily attended numerous school events, dance recitals, cheerleading competitions, sports games, and graduations. He loved taking them to parks, carnivals, and out for ice cream. He was the best tickler! He enjoyed beach vacations and building sand castles with his grandchildren. Roger was happiest when he was around his family and could often be found with a video camera in hand, capturing memories of his loved ones.
Over the years Roger developed an interest in DJ’ing. He loved music and would DJ various family events and reunions. He and his wife (later in life his son) also enjoyed bowling together. He was a member of the IBEW Local Union 26 bowling league for many years.
Roger was preceded in death by his older brother, Shelby Barnes, Sr. He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle (Henson) Barnes; four children, Sonia Barnes-Bocoum (Hamidou), Roger Barnes, Jr., JaLandra Green (Carter), and Monica Barnes; younger brother Gerald Barnes; thirteen grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Roger leaves a host of other relatives and friends and he will be truly missed.